PAGE 6
2.21
Data indicates that operators 60 years of age and above are involved in a large percentage of riding
mower related injuries. These operators should periodically evaluate their ability to operate the riding
mower safely enough to protect themselves and others from serious injury.
2.22
Prevent fires by keeping engine and exhaust areas clear of grass clippings and other debris. Do not
park or back mower over or immediately adjacent to flammable materials.
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 you feel uneasy on it,
do not mow it.
Avoid operating your mower on side hills of over 5 degrees, inclines of over 10 degrees,
and declines of over 15 degrees.
2.23
Mow up and down slopes, not across.
2.24
Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects that tall grass can obscure. Uneven terrain
could overturn the machine.
2.25
Choose a low ground speed when operating the machine on a slope.
2.26
Do not mow on wet grass, the tires may lose traction.
2.27
Do not attempt to coast down a slope in the neutral position.
2.28
Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If the tires lose traction, disengage the blades and
proceed slowly, straight down the slope.
2.29
Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual. Sudden changes in speed or direction could cause the
machine to roll over.
2.30
Use extra care while operating machine with grass catchers or other attachments: they can affect the
stability of the machine. Do not use on steep slopes.
2.31
Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground.
2.32
Do not mow near drop offs, ditches or embankments. The machine could suddenly roll over if a wheel
goes over the edge or the edge caves in.
2.33
Be aware of what is located at the bottom of slopes. For example: rocks water, cliffs, and roadways.
CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to
the machine and the mowing activity. NEVER assume that children will remain where you last saw them.
2.34
Keep children out of the mowing area and in the watchful care of a responsible adult other than the
operator.
2.35
Maintain Alertness and turn machine off if a child enters the area.
2.36
Before and while backing, look behind and down for small children.
2.37
Never carry children, even with blades shut off. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere
with safe machine operation. Children who have been given rides in the past may suddenly appear in
the mowing area for another ride and be run over or backed over by the machine.
2.38
Never allow children to operate the machine.
2.39
Never leave the key in the ignition, especially around children.
2.40
Use extreme care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may block your
view of a child
