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SAFETY RULES
A
Safe Operation
Practices
for Ride-On Mowers
IMPORTANT: THIS CU'I-rING 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 instructions in the manual
and on the machine before starting.
•
Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the
instruCtions,to operate the machine.
•
Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc.,
which could be picked up and thrown by the blade.
Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing.
Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
•
Never carry passengers.
Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always
look down and behind before and while backing.
•
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 guard in place.
•
Slow down before turning.
•
Never leave a running machine unattended.
Always turn
off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys
before dismounting,
•
Turn off 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 machine while under the influence of
alcohot or drugs.
•
Watch
for traffic
when
operating
near or crossing
roadways.
•
Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into
a trailer or truck.
•
Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above, are
involvedin a large percentage of ridingmower-relatedinjudes.
These operators should evaluate their ability to operate the
ridingmower safely enough to protect themselves and others
from sedous injury.
Keep machine free of grass, leaves or other debds build-up
which can touch hot exhaust / engine parts and bum. Do not
allow the mower deck to plow leaves or other debds which
can cause build-up to occur. Clean any oil or fuel spillage
before operating or storing the machine. Allow machine to
cool before storage.
II. SLOPE
OPERATION
Slopes
are a
major
factor
related to loss-of-control
and
tipover accidents, which can result in severe injury ordeath.
All slopes require extra caution.
If you cannot back up the
slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.
DO:
•
Mow up and down slopes, not across.
•
Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
•
Watch fer holos, ruts, or bumps. U nevan terrain could overturn
the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
•
Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that youwill not have
to stop or shift while on the slope.
•
FoUowthe manufacturer's recommendations forwhealweights
or counterweights to improve stability.
•
Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments.
These can change the stability of the machine.
•
Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not
make sudden changes in speed or direction.
•
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction,
disengage the blades and proceed slowly straightdown the
slope.
DO NOT:
•
Donot turnonslopes unlessnecessary, a ndthen,turnslowly
and gradually downhill, i fpossible.
•
DOnot mow near drop-offs, d itches,or embankments.The
mowercouldsuddenly turnover if a wheel is over the edge
of a cliffor ditch,or ifan edge caves in.
•
Do not mow on wet grass.Reduced tractioncould cause
sliding.
•
Do not try to stabilize the machineby puttingyourfoot on
the ground.
Do not usegrasscatcheron steepslopes.
III. CHILDREN
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.
Keepchildren outofthe mowing area andunderthewatchful
care of anotherresponsible adult.
•
Be alert and turnmachineoff if children enterthe area.
•
Beforeand when backing,lookbehind and down for small
children.
•
Never carry children. They may fall off and be sedously
injuredor interfere with safe machineoperation.
•
Neverallow children to operatethe machine.
•
Use extra care when approachingblind corners, shrubs,
trees,or otherobjectsthat may obscure vision.
IV, SERVICE
•
Use extracare in handlinggasolineand otherfuels. They
areflammable andvaporsare explosive.
Use onlyan approvedcontainer.
Neverremove gascaporaddfuelwiththeenginerunning.
Allowengineto coolbefore refueling.Do notsmoke.
Neverrefuelthe machineindoors.
Neverstorethe machineor fuel containerinsidewhere
there isan openflame, such as a waterheater.
•
Neverrun a machineinsidea closedarea.
Keepnutsand belts, especially blade attachment bolts,tight
and keepequipmentin goodcondition.
•
Never tamperwith safety devicss. C heck their proper operation
regafady.
•
Keep machinefree of _.rass, leaves,or other debds build-
up. Clean oil or fuel spillage,Allowmachine to cool before
stodng.
•
Stopand inspect t he equipmont if youstdkeanobject.Repair,
if necessary,beforerestarting.
•
Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine
running.
•
Grass catcher componentsare subjectto wear, damage,
and deterioration,which could expose moving parts or
allowobjects to be thrown. Frequently checkcomponents
and replacewithmanufacturer's recommended parts,when
necessary.
•
Mowerbladesare sharpand can cut. Wrapthe blade(s) or
weargloves,and use extracaution when servicing them.
•
Check brake operationfrequently. Adjust and service as
required.
2
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