Slope Operation; Dos And Don'ts; Do Not; Children - Simplicity Legacy Series Service & Repair Manual

1 General Information
Safety

Slope Operation

Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and
tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or
death. All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot
back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.

Dos and Don'ts

DO
• See your authorized dealer for recommendations of
wheel weights or counterweights to improve stability.
• Mow up and down slopes, not across.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks or tree limbs.
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overturn the unit. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
• Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will
not have to stop or shift while on the slope.
• Use extra care with grass catchers or other attach-
ments. These can change the stability of the unit.
• Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual.
Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction.

DO NOT

• Do not start or stop on a slope. If tires lose traction,
disengage the blade(s) and proceed slowly straight
down the slope.
• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then
turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.
The mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is
over the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could
cause sliding.
• Do not try to stabilize the unit by putting your foot on
the ground.
• Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.

Children

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to
the presence of children. Children are often attracted to
the unit and the mowing activity. Never assume that chil-
dren will remain where you last saw them.
• Keep children out of the mowing area and under the
watchful care of another responsible adult.
• Be alert and turn unit off if children enter the area.
• Before and while backing up, look behind and down
for small children.
• Never carry children. They may fall off and be seri-
ously injured or interfere with safe unit operation.
• Never allow children to operate the unit.
• Use extra care when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.

Transporting and Storage

• Always observe safe refueling and fuel handling prac-
tices when refueling the rider after transportation, ser-
vice, or storage.
• Always follow the engine manual instructions for
storage preparations when preparing the rider for
both short- and long-term storage.
• Always follow the engine manual instructions for
proper start-up procedures when returning the unit to
service.
• Never store the unit or fuel container inside where
there is an open flame or pilot light, such as in a
water heater, gas furnace, or stove. Allow unit to cool
before storing. ("Cool" is defined as being cool
enough that all components can be touched: less
than 150 degrees Fahrenheit.)

Warnings and Labels

All HAZARD STATEMENTS (identified with the safety
alert symbol), and instructional messages, appearing in
decals on the rider and mower being serviced, must be
carefully read and obeyed. The information is for your
safety, as well as those who operate the equipment, and
it is important!
If any of these decals are lost or damaged, replace them
at once. See your Parts Manual for replacement informa-
tion.
These labels are easily applied and will act as a constant
visual reminder to you, the operator, and others who may
use the equipment, to follow the safety instructions nec-
essary for safe, effective operation.
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