OWNER’S INFORMATION
5
1740333SM
15. Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways.
16. Use extra caution when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck.
17. Turn off all attachment clutches before attempting to start the engine.
18. Always wear goggles, safety glasses, or an eye shield when you operate the unit to protect your eyes from foreign objects that can be
thrown from the unit. Always wear eye protection when you make an adjustment or repair to the machine.
19. Use care when pulling loads or using heavy equipment.
a. Use only approved drawbar hitch points.
b. Limit loads to those you can safely control.
c. Do not turn sharply. Use care when backing.
d. Use counterweights or wheel weights when suggested in the Instruction Book.
20. Do not operate this machine if you are taking drugs or other medication which can cause drowsiness or affect your ability to operate
this machine.
21. Do not use this machine if you are mentally or physically unable to operate this machine safely.
22. Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above, are involved in a large percentage of riding mower related injuries. These opera-
tors should evaluate their ability to operate a riding mower safely enough to protect themselves and others from serious injury.
II. Slope operation
Slopes and rough terrain are major factors related to loss
−
of
−
control and tip
−
over 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 the slope, do not mow it. See
the “Slope Guide” in the back of this book to check for safe operation.
DO
1. Mow up and down slopes, not across.
2. Remove obstacles such as rocks, limbs, etc...
3. Watch for holes, ruts or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine.
Tall grass can hide obstacles.
4. Use slow speed on slopes. Do not make sudden speed changes.
5. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for wheel weights or counterweights to improve stability.
6. Use extra care with grass baggers or other attachments, they can change the stability of the machine.
7. Keep all movement on the slopes
slow and gradual
. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction.
8. Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, turn off the blades and proceed slowly
straight
down
the slope.
9. Choose a low ground speed so you will not have to stop or shift while on a slope.
10. Always keep the machine in gear when going down slopes. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.
DO NOT
1.
Do not
turn on slopes unless absolutely necessary, then only turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
2.
Do not
mow drop
−
offs, ditches or embankments. A wheel over the edge or an edge caving in could cause a sudden overturn and an
injury or death.
3.
Do not
mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding.
4.
Do not
try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground.
5.
Do not
use a grass bagger or other rear mounted accessories on steep slopes (greater than 10 degrees).
III. 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.
1. Keep children out of the mowing area and in the watchful care of another responsible adult.
2. Be alert and turn the engine off if children enter the area.
3. Before and when backing, look
behind and down
for small children.
4. Never carry children or any passengers, even with the blades off. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with the safe
operation of the machine.
5. Never allow children to operate the machine. Instruct children in the potential dangers of the machine.
6. Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees or other objects that may obscure vision.
IV. Towing
1. Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at the hitch point.
2. Follow the manufacture’s recommendation for weight limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes.
3. Never allow children or others in or on towed equipment.
4. On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may cause loss of traction and loss of control.
5. Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.
Summary of Contents for 425622 78B Series
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