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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
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
abso-
lutely 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.
• Stow 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 alcohol
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 involved
in a
large percentage
of riding mower-
related
injuries.
These
operators
should
evaluate
their ability to operate
the riding mower
safely
enough
to
protect themselves
and others from
serious
injury.
I!, SLOPE
OPERATION
Slopes
are a major factor related
to loss-
of-control
and tipover
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 mow it.
DO:
• 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
machine,
Tall grass can hide obstacles,
. Use slow speed.
Choose
a low gear
so that you will not have to stop or shift
while on the slope
. Follow the manufacturer's
recommen-
dations
for wheel
weights
or counter-
weights
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
straight
down the slope.
DO NOT:
o Do not
turn on slopes
unless neces-
sary, and then, turn slowly and gradu-
ally downhill,
if possible
. Do not mow near drop-offs,
ditches,
or
embankments.
The mower could
suddenly
turn 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 stabilize
the machine
by
putting your foot on the ground,
• Do not use grass catcher
on steep
slopes
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