•
Look behind and down before backing up to be
sure of a clear path.
•
Never carry passengers on the machine.
•
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 while ill, tired, or 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
•
The ROPS is an integral and effective safety
device. Keep a folding ROPS in the raised
and locked position and use the seat belt when
operating the machine.
•
Lower a folding ROPS temporarily only when
absolutely necessary. Do not wear the seat belt
when folded down.
•
Be aware there is no rollover protection when a
folded ROPS is in the down position.
•
Be certain that the seat belt can be released
quickly in the event of an emergency.
•
Check the area to be mowed and never fold down
a folding ROPS in areas 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.
•
Do not remove the ROPS.
•
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 the parking brake, Shut
off the engine and remove the key or disconnect
the spark-plug wire. Wait for all movement to
stop before adjusting, cleaning or repairing the
machine.
•
Clean grass and debris from the cutting unit, the
drives, the mufflers, and the engine to help prevent
fires. Clean up oil or fuel spillage.
•
Let the engine cool before storing and do not store
near flame.
•
Shut off the fuel while storing or transporting. Do
not store fuel near flames or drain indoors.
•
Park the machine on level ground. Set the parking
brake. Never allow untrained personnel to service
the machine.
•
Use jack stands to support components when
required.
•
Carefully release pressure from components with
stored energy.
•
Disconnect the battery or the spark-plug wire
before making any repairs. Disconnect the
negative terminal first and the positive last.
Connect the positive first and negative last.
•
Use care when checking the blades. Wrap the
blade(s) or wear thickly-padded gloves, and use
caution when servicing them. Only replace blades.
Never straighten or weld them.
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