Table of Contents
Advertisement
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 absolute-
ly 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.
• Tum 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.
• Do not mow near drop-offs,
ditches,
or
embankments.
The mower could
suddenly
turn over ifa 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.
3
Advertisement
Table of Contents
