Safety Rules - Simplicity 1691682 Service & Repair Manual

1 General Information

Safety Rules

Read these safety rules and follow them closely. Failure to obey these rules could result in loss of control of
rider, severe personal injury or death to you, or bystanders, or damage to property or equipment. This
mowing deck is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. The triangle
signifies important cautions or warnings which must be followed.
GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the
manual and on the unit before starting.
• Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with
the instructions, to operate the unit.
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire,
etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the
blade(s).
• Be sure the area is clear of other people before mow-
ing. Stop unit if anyone enters the area.
• Never carry passengers.
• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
Always look down and behind before and while trav-
elling in reverse.
• 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 deflector
in place.
• Slow down before turning.
• Never leave a running unit unattended. Always
disengage the PTO, set parking brake, stop engine,
and remove keys before dismounting.
• Turn off the PTO switch to disengage the 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 unit 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 unit
into a trailer or truck.
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.
WARNING - SLOPE OPERATION
Never operate on slopes greater than 30 percent (16.7°)
which is a rise of three feet vertically in 10 feet horizon-
tally. When operating on slopes that are greater than 15
percent (8.5°) but less than 30 percent use front counter-
weights and rear wheel weights (see your dealer). Select
slow ground speed before driving onto slope. In addition
to front and rear weights, use extra caution when operat-
ing on slopes with rear-mounted grass catcher. Mow UP
and DOWN the slope, never across the face, use caution
when changing directions and DO NOT START OR STOP
ON SLOPE.
Do
• Follow manufacturer's recommendations of wheel
weights or counterweights to improve stability.
• 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 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 embank-
ments. 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.
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