Table of Contents
Advertisement
SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
IMPORTANT:
THIS CUTTING
MACHINE
IS CAPABLE
OF AMPUTATING
HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING
OBJECTS. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY
OR DEATH.
I.
GENERAl-OPERATION
Read, understand, and follow all instructionsin the manual
and on the machine before starting.
Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the
instructions,to operate the machine.
Clear the areaof objectssuchas rocks,toys,wire,etc., which
could be picked up and thrown by the blade.
Be sorethe area is clear of nther people betore mowing. Stop
machine if anyone enters the area.
Never carry passengers.
Do notmow in reversa unlessabsolutelynecessary. Always
look down and behind before and while backing.
Be aware of the mower dischargedirectionand do notpoint
it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without either the
entire grass catcher or the guard in place.
Slow down before turning.
Never leave a runningmachine unattended. Alwaysturn off
blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys
before dismounting.
Tum offblades when not mowing.'
Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging
chute.
Mow only in daylightor good artificiallight.
Do not operate the machine while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
Watch for trafficwhen operatingnear or crossingroadways.
Use extra care when loadingor unloadingthe machine into
a traileror truck.
II.
SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-controland tipover
accidents, which can result in severe injuryor death. All slopes
requireextra caution. If youcannot backup the slopeor if youfeel
uneasy on it, do not mow it.
DO:
Mow up and down slopes, not across.
Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, eto.
Watch for ho_es, ruts, or bumps.
Uneven terrain could
overturn the machine. Taftgrass can hide obstacles.
Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that youwillnot have
to stop or shift while on the slope.
Follow the manufacturer's
recommendations
for wheel
we;ightsor counterweightsto improve star,lilly.
Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments.
These can change the stabilityof the machine.
Keep all movement on the slopesslowand gradual Do not
make sudden char_s
in speed or direction.
Avoidstarting or stoppingon a slope. If tires lose traction,
disengage the blades and proceed slowlystraightdown the
slope.
DO NOT:
Do notturn on slopesunlessnecessary, and then, turnslowly
and gradually downhill, if possible.
Do not mow near drop_offs, ditches, or embankments. The
mower could suddenlyturn 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 stabilizethe machice by puttingyour foot on the
ground.
Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.
III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is net alert to the
presence ofchildren. Children are oftenattractedto the machine
and the mowingactivity. Neverassume that childrenwillremain
where you last saw them.
Keep children out of the mowing area and under the
watchfulcare of another responsible adult.
Be alert and turn machine off if ohildren enter the area.
Before and when backing, look behind and down for small
children.
Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously
injured or interfere with the safe machine operation.
Never allow children to operate the machine.
Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
IV. SERVICE
Use extra care in handling gasolineand other fuels. They
are flammable and vapors are explosive.
Use only an approved container.
Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allowengine to cool before retueUng. Do not
smoke.
Never refuel the machine indoors.
Never storethe machine or fuel container insidewhere
there is an open flame, such as a water heater.
Never run a machine inside a closed area.
Keepnuts and bolts,especiallyblade attachmentbolts, tight
and keep equipment in good condition.
Never tamper with safety devices.
Check their proper
operation regularly.
Keep machinefree of grass, leaves, or other debris build-
up. Clean oilor fuel spillage. Allow machineto cool before
storing.
Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object.
Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
Never make adjustmentsor repairswiththe enginerunning.
Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage,
and detedoretion, which could expose moving parts or
allow ob ects to be thrown. Frequentlycheck components
and rep ace with manufacturer's recommended parts,when
necessary.
Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or
wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicingthem.
Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and serviceas
required.
I
Look for this symbol to point out impor-
tant safety precautions.
It means
CAUTIONH! BECOME ALERT!I! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
I
CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug I
wire and placewlre where It cannot contact
spark plug In order to prevent accidental
starting
when setting up, transporting,
adjusting
or making repairs.
2
Advertisement
Table of Contents
