Operation
•
Lightning can cause severe injury or death. If lightning
is seen or thunder is heard in the area, do not operate
the machine; seek shelter.
•
Never run an engine in an enclosed area.
•
Only operate in good light, keeping away from holes and
hidden hazards.
•
Be sure all drives are in neutral and parking brake is
engaged before starting engine. Only start engine from
the operator's position.
•
Slow down and use extra care on hillsides. Be sure to
travel side to side on hillsides. Turf conditions can affect
the machine's stability. Use caution while operating near
drop-offs.
•
Slow down and use caution when making turns and when
changing directions on slopes.
•
Never raise deck with the blades running.
•
Never operate with the PTO shield, or other guards not
securely in place. Be sure all interlocks are attached,
adjusted properly, and functioning properly.
•
Never operate with the discharge deflector raised,
removed or altered, unless using a grass catcher.
•
Do not change the engine governor setting or overspeed
the engine.
•
Stop on level ground, disengage drives, engage parking
brake (if provided), shut off engine before leaving the
operator's position for any reason including emptying the
catchers or unclogging the chute.
•
Stop equipment and inspect blades after striking objects
or if an abnormal vibration occurs. Make necessary
repairs before resuming operations.
•
Keep hands and feet away from the cutting unit.
•
Look behind and down before backing up to be sure of
a clear path.
•
Keep pets and bystanders away.
•
Slow down and use caution when making turns and
crossing roads and sidewalks. Stop blades if not mowing.
•
Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not
point it at anyone.
•
Do not operate the mower under the influence of alcohol
or drugs.
•
Use care when loading or unloading the machine into
or from a trailer or truck.
•
Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees,
or other objects that may obscure vision.
Rollover Protection System (ROPS) -
Use and Maintenance
•
Do not remove the ROPS.
•
The ROPS is an integral and effective safety device. Keep
the ROPS on the machine and use the seat belt when
operating the machine.
•
Be certain that the seat belt can be released quickly in
the event of an emergency.
•
Check the area to be mowed where there are slopes, drop
offs or water.
•
Check carefully for overhead clearances (i.e. branches,
doorways, electrical wires) before driving under any
objects and do not contact them.
•
Keep the ROPS in safe operating condition by
periodically thoroughly inspecting for damage and
keeping all mounting fasteners tight.
•
Replace a damaged ROPS. Do not repair or revise.
•
Any alterations to a ROPS must be approved by the
manufacturer.
Safe handling of fuels
•
To avoid personal injury or property damage, use
extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely
flammable and the vapors are explosive.
•
Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources
of ignition.
•
Use only an approved fuel container.
•
Never remove fuel cap or add fuel with the engine
running.
•
Allow engine to cool before refueling.
•
Never refuel the machine indoors.
•
Never store the machine or fuel container where there is
an open flame, spark, or pilot light such as on a water
heater or on other appliances.
•
Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or
trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place containers on
the ground away from your vehicle before filling.
•
Remove equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel it
on the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel such
equipment with a portable container, rather than from a
fuel dispenser nozzle.
•
Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank
or container opening at all times until fueling is complete.
Do not use a nozzle lock open device.
•
If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately.
•
Never overfill fuel tank. Replace fuel cap and tighten
securely.
Maintenance and storage
•
Disengage drives, set parking brake, stop engine and
remove key or disconnect spark-plug wire. Wait for all
movement to stop before adjusting, cleaning or repairing.
•
Clean grass and debris from cutting unit, drives, mufflers,
and engine to help prevent fires. Clean up oil or fuel
spillage.
•
Let engine cool before storing and do not store near
flame.
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