IMPORTANT:This cutting machine is capableof amputatinghands and feet and throw-
ingobjects. Failureto observe the followingsafetyinstructionscould result in serious
injury or death.
WARNING: In orderto prevent
accidentalstarting when setting up,
transporting,adjustingor making repairs,
alwaysdisconnectspark plug wire and
place wire where it cannotcontact spark
plug.
WARNING: Do not coast down a
hill in neutral,you may lose controlof the
tractor.
WARNING: Towonly the attach-
mentsthat are recommendedby and
complywith specificationsof the man-
ufacturerof your tractor.Use common
sensewhen towing.Operateonly at the
lowestpossiblespeed when on a slope.
Too heavyof a load, while on a slope, is
dangerous. Tires can lose tractionwith
the ground and causeyou to lose control
of your tractor.
WARNING:Engineexhaust,some
of its constituents,and certainvehicle
componentscontain or emit chemicals
knownto the Stateof Californiato cause
cancerand birth defects or other repro-
ductiveharm.
WARNING:Battery posts,terminals
and related accessoriescontain lead and
lead compounds,chemicalsknownto the
State of Californiato causecancerand
birth defectsor other reproductiveharm.
Wash hands after handling.
I. GENERAL
OPERATION
•
Read, understand,
and follow all
instructions
on the machine
and in the
manual
before starting.
•
Do not put hands
or feet near rotating
parts or under the machine.
Keep clear
of the discharge
opening
at all times.
•
Only allow responsible
adults,
who are
familiar
with the instructions,
to operate
the machine.
•
Clear
the area of objects
such as
rocks, toys, wire, etc.,
which could
be
picked
up and thrown
by the blades.
•
Be sure the area is clear of bystand-
ers before operating.
Stop machine
if
anyone
enters
the area.
•
Never carry passengers.
•
Do not mow in reverse
unless
abso-
lutely necessary.
Always
look down
and behind
before
and while backing.
•
Never direct discharged
material
toward
anyone.
Avoid discharging
material
against
a wall or obstruction.
Material
may ricochet
back toward
the
operator.
Stop the blades
when
cross-
ing gravel surfaces.
•
Do not operate
machine
without
the
entire
grass catcher,
discharge
guard,
or other safety devices
in place
and
working.
•
Slow down
before
turning.
•
Never leave a running
machine
unattended.
Always
turn off blades,
set parking
brake, stop engine,
and
remove
keys before
dismounting.
•
Disengage
blades when
not mowing.
Shut off engine
and wait for all parts to
come to a complete
stop before
clean-
ing the machine,
removing
the grass
catcher,
or unclogging
the discharge
guard.
•
Operate
machine
only in daylight
or
good artificial
light.
•
Do not operate
the machine
while
under the influence
of alcohol
or drugs.
•
Watch
for traffic when
operating
near
or crossing
roadways.
•
Use extra care when
loading
or unload-
ing the machine
into a trailer
or truck.
•
Always
wear eye protection
when
oper-
ating machine.
•
Data indicates
that operators,
age 60
years
and above,
are involved
in a
large percentage
of riding
mower-re-
lated injuries.
These
operators
should
evaluate
their ability to operate
the
riding mower
safely
enough
to protect
themselves
and others
from serious
injury.
•
Follow the manufacturer's
recommen-
dation
for wheel
weights
or counter-
weights.
•
Keep machine
free of grass,
leaves or
other
debris
build-up
which
can touch
hot exhaust
/ engine
parts and burn.
Do not allow the mower deck to plow
leaves or other debris
which
can cause
build-up
to occur. Clean
any oil or fuel
spillage
before
operating
or storing
the
machine.
Allow
machine
to cool before
storage.
3