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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.
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.
• 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 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.
• 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.
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:
• Do not turn on slopes unless
neces-
sary, and then, turn slowly
and gradual-
ly 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 nottry
to stabilize
the machine
by
putting your foot on the ground.
• Do not use grass catcher on steep
slopes,
3
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