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IMPORTANT:
This cutting
machine
is
capable
of amputating
hands and feet
and throwing objects.
Failure to observe
the following
safety instructions
could
result in serious
injury or death.
GENERAL
OPERATION
• Read, understand,
and follow
all
instructions
in the manual and on the
machine
before
starting.
• 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 blade.
• Be sure the area is clear of other
people before mowing. 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.
• Be aware of the mower discharge
direction and do not point it at anyone.
Do not operate the mower without
either the entire grass catcher or the
guard in place.
• Slow down before turning.
• Never leave a running machine
unattended. Always
turn off blades,
set
parking brake, stop engine, and
remove keys before
dismounting.
• Turn off blades when not mowing.
• Stop engine before removing grass
catcher or unclogging chute.
• Mow 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
unloading the machine into a trailer or
truck.
• Data indicates that operators, age 60
years and above, are involved in a
large percentage
of riding mower-
related injuries. These operators
should evaluate their ability to operate
the riding mower safely enough to
protect themselves
and others from
serious injury.
SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-
of-control and tipover 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.
DO:
• Mow up and down slopes,
not across.
• Remove
obstacles
such as rocks, tree
limbs, etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps.
Uneven
terrain
could
overturn
the
machine.
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.
• Follow the manufacturer's
recommen-
dations
for wheel
weights or counter-
weights
to improve
stability.
• Use extra care with grass catchers
or
other attachments.
These can change
the stability of the machine.
• Keep all movement
on the slopes
slow
and gradual.
Do not make sudden
changes
in speed or direction.
• Avoid starting
or stopping on a slope. If
tires lose traction,
disengage
the
blades
and proceed
slowly
straight
down the slope.
DO NOT:
• Do not turn on slopes unless neces-
sary, and then, turn slowly
and gradual-
ly downhill,
if possible.
• Oo 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 nottry
to stabilize:the
machine
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
machine and the mowing activity. Never
assume
that children will remain where
you last saw them.
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