Poulan Pro PXT16542 Operator's Manual page 2

SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Ride=On Mowers
DANGER: 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.
WARNING: in orderto prevent accidental
starting when setting up, transporting,
adjusting or making repairs, always
disconnect spark plug wire and place
wire where it cannot contact spark plug.
WARNING: Do not coast down a hill in neu- tral, you may lose control of the tractor.
WARNING: Tow onlythe attachments that
are recommended by and comply with
specifications of the manufacturer of your
tractor. Use common sense when towing.
Operate only at the lowest possible speed
when on a slope. Too heavy of a load,
while on a slope, is dangerous. Tires
can lose traction with the ground and
cause you to lose control of your tractor.
WARNING
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain
vehicle components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
WARNING
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known
to the State of California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands
after handling.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
Read, understand, and follow all instructions on
the machine and in the manual before starting.
* Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under
the machine. Keep clear of the discharge opening
at all times.
Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar
with the instructions, to operate the machine.
* Cleartheareaofobjectssuchas rocks,toys, wire, etc.,
which could be picked up and thrown bythe blades.
* Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before
operating. 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.
. Never direct discharged material toward anyone.
Avoid discharging material against a wall or
obstruction. Material may ricochet back toward
the operator. Stop the blades when crossing gravel
surfaces.
* Do not operate machine without the entire grass
catcher, discharge guard, or other safety devices
in place and working.
2
* Slow down before turning.
* Never leave a running machine unattended. Always
turn off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and
remove keys before dismounting.
Disengage blades when not mowing. Shut off engine
and wait for all parts to come to a complete stop
before cleaning the machine, removing the grass
catcher, or unclogging the discharge guard.
Operate machine 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.
Always wear eye protection when operating
machine.
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.
Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for
wheel weights or counterweights.
Keep machine free of grass, leaves or other debris
build=up which can touch hot exhaust / engine parts
and bu rn. Do not allowthe mower deckto plow leaves
or other debris which can cause build-up to occur.
Cieananyoilorfuelspillagebeforeoperatingorstoring
the machine. Allow machine to cool before storage.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and
tip=over accidents, which can result in severe injury or
death. Operation on all slopes requires extra caution.
if you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy
on it, do not mow it.
* Mow up and down slopes, not across.
Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden
objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine.
Tall grass can hide obstacles.
Choose a low ground speed so that you will not
have to stop or shift while on the slope.
Do not mow on wet grass. Tires may lose traction.
Always keep the machine in gear when going down
slopes. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.
Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope, if
the tires lose traction, disengage the blades and
proceed slowly straight down the slope.
Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual.
Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction,
which could cause the machine to roll over.
* Use extra care while operating machine with grass
catchers or other attachments; they can affect the
stability of the machine. Do no use on steep slopes.
Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your
foot on the ground.
* Do not mownear drop=offs, ditches, or embankments.
The machine could suddenly roll over if a wheel is
over the edge or if the edge caves in.