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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
o Read,
understand,
and follow
all
instructions
in the manual
and on the
machine
before
starting.
o 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_
o Never carry passengers.
o 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.
o 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°
o 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.
o 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.
o Keep machine
free of grass,
leaves or
other debris build-up
which can touch
hot exhaust / engine parts and burn.
Do
not allow the mower deck to plow leaves
or other debris 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 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°
o Remove
obstacles
such as rocks, tree
limbs, etc.
o Watch
for holes, ruts, or bumps.
Uneven
terrain
could
overturn
the
machine.
Taft grass can hide ob-
stacles.
• 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.
o 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_
o Do not try to stabilize
the machine
by
putting your foot on the ground_
o Do not use grass catcher
on steep
slopes.
3
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