MTD Cub Cadet 1000 Series Operator's Manual page 6

Safety (continued)
8. Never carry passengers. Passengers
interfere with the safe operation of this
unit. Passengers could be struck by
foreign objects and/or thrown from unit
and severely injured.
9. Be sure area is clear of other people
before mowing. Stop machine if anyone
enters the area. Do not operate unit with
children, pets or others nearby.
10. As a general rule, do not mow in
reverse. Disengage power to mower
attachments before backing up. If it
is
absolutely necessary to back up:
a. Check area on ground directly
behind unit.
b. Continue to observe area down and
to rear while backing up.
11. Approach blind corners cautiously.
12. Always observe the terrain. Watch
for and avoid obstacles. Stay away from
holes, ditches, soft or steep
embankments and other potentially
dangerous terrain. Tall grass can hide
obstacles.
13. Wet surfaces reduce traction and
stability. Always maintain proper
traction. Grip the steering wheel firmly.
14. Slow down before turning.
15. Do not install an automotive-type
ball hitch on this unit. When pulling
loads:
a. Use approved hitch points.
b. Limit loads to those which can be
safely controlled.
16. Watch out for traffic when operating
near or crossing roadways.
17. Never leave a running machine
unattended. Always turn off
attachment/PTO drive, set parking brake,
stop engine and remove key before
dismounting.
CHILDREN
1. 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.
2. Never allow children to operate this
unit, even under adult supervision. Local
regulations may restrict operator age.
Only allow responsible adults, who are
familiar with these instructions, to
operate the unit.
3. Never carry children as passengers.
Do not carry ANY passengers. They may
fall off and be seriously injured or
interfere with safe machine operation.
4. Keep children out of the work area and
under the watchful care of another
responsible adult.
5. Be alert and turn machine off if
children enter the area.
6. Before and when backing, look behind
and down for small children.
7. Use extra care when approaching
blind corners, shrubs, trees or other
objects that may obscure vision.
8. Keep children away while performing
maintenance or adjustments.
SLOPE OPERATION
1. Slopes are a major factor in 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 operate this unit on
the slope.
2. Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree
limbs, etc.
3. Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps.
Uneven terrain could overturn the
machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
4. Always mow up and down the face of
slopes, never across. Do not mow near
drop-offs, ditches or embankments. The
unit could suddenly overturn if a wheel
goes over the edge of a cliff or ditch, or
if an edge caves in.
5. When using attachments on slopes,
use wheel weights, as indicated in
Section 2, "Attachments and Kits", for
extra traction and correct balance.
6. Do not turn on slopes unless
necessary, and then, turn off attachment
drive and turn slowly and gradually
downhill.
7. Do not start or stop suddenly when
going up or down a slope. Keep all
movement on slopes slow and gradual.
Do not make sudden changes in speed or
direction. If the unit has a gear drive
transmission, choose a low gear so that
you will not have to stop or shift while on
the slope.
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