Safety Rules & Information - Simplicity 1693452 Operator's Manual

Read these safety rules and follow them closely. Failure to obey these rules could result in loss of control of
unit, severe personal injury or death to you, or bystanders, or damage to property or equipment. This mow-
ing deck is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. The triangle
fies 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 (local regulations
can restrict operator age).
• 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.
• Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and
above, are involved in a large percentage of riding
mower-related injuries. These operators should eval-
uate their ability to operate the riding mower safely
enough to protect themselves and others from injury.
• Keep in mind the operator is responsible for acci-
dents occurring to other people or property.
• All drivers should seek and obtain professional and
practical instruction.
• Always wear substantial footwear and trousers.
Never operate when barefoot or wearing sandals.
• Before using, always visually check that the blades
and blade hardware are present, in-tact, and secure.
Replace worn or damaged parts.
• Never operate the machine with defective guards, or
without safety protective devises in place.
• Disengage attachments before: refuelling, removing
an attachment, making adjustments (unless the
adjustment can be made from the operator's posi-
tion).
• When the machine is parked, stored, or left unattend-
ed, lower the cutting means unless a positive
mechanical lock is used.
SLOPE OPERATION
WARNING
Never operate on slopes greater than 17.6 percent
(10°) which is a rise of 3-1/2 feet (106 cm)
vertically in 20 feet (607 cm) horizontally.
When operating on slopes use additional wheel
weights or counterweights. See your dealer to
determine which weights are available and
appropriate for your unit.
Select slow ground speed before driving onto slope.
In addition to front and rear weights, use extra caution
when operating 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.
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 oper-
ate on it.
Control of a ride-on machine sliding on a slope will not be
regained by the application of the brake. The main rea-
sons for loss of control are: insufficient tire grip on the
ground, speed too fast, inadequate braking, the type of
machine is unsuitable for it's task, lack of awareness of the
ground conditions, incorrect hitching and load distribution.
Do
• See your authorized dealer for 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 obsta-
cles.
• 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.
• Always keep unit in gear especially when traveling
downhill. When clutching, release clutch slowly.
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Safety Rules
& Information
in text signi-