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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.
o 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.
° Slow
down
before
turning.
° Never
leave a running
machine
unattended.
Always
turn off blades,
set
parking
brake,
stop engine,
and
remove
keys before
dismounting.
o Turn off blades
when not mowing.
° Stop engine
before
removing
grass
catcher
or unclogging
chute°
o Mow only in daylight
or good artificial
light.
o 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
trucL
o 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.
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 iL
DO:
o Mow up and down slopes,
not across,
• Remove
obstacles
such as rocks, tree
limbs, etCo
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps.
Uneven
terrain
could overturn
the
machine,
Taft grass can hide ob-
stacleso
° 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.
DONOR
• 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.
o 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,
° Do not use grass catcher
on steep
slopes_
3
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