4
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
A. General:
1.
Read this Operator’s Manual completely before starting
the mower. Study the controls and learn the proper
sequence of operation. Retain Operator’s Manual in a
safe place for future reference.
2.
Do not allow anyone to operate or maintain this machine
who has not read the manual.
Never permit children
under the age of 16 to operate this machine.
3.
Always have your feet and hands clear of the cutter
deck when starting the engine.
4.
Do not remove any shields, guards, decals or safety
devices. If a shield, guard, decal or safety device is
damaged or does not function, repair or replace it before
operating the mower.
5.
Always wear safety glasses, long pants and safety
shoes when operating or maintaining this mower. Do not
wear loose-fitting clothing.
6.
Never run the engine indoors without adequate
ventilation. Exhaust fumes are deadly.
7.
To avoid serious burns, do not touch the engine or
muffler while the engine is running or until it has cooled
for at least 30 minutes after it has been shut off.
8.
Do not allow anyone to ride on this mower. No
passengers.
9.
Do not operate this mower under the influence of
alcohol and or drugs.
B. Related To Fuel:
1.
Gasoline is highly flammable. Respect it.
2.
Do not smoke or permit others to smoke while handling
gasoline.
3.
Always use approved containers for gasoline.
4.
Always shut off the engine and permit it to cool before
removing the cap of the fuel tank.
5.
If the fuel container spout will not fit inside the fuel tank
opening, use a funnel.
6.
When filling the fuel tank, stop when the gasoline
reaches one inch from the top. This space must be left
for expansion. Do not overfill.
7.
Wipe up any spilled gasoline.
C. When Mowing:
WARNING:
Never mow in fourth gear
(transport speed).
1.
Keep adults, children and pets away from the area to be
mowed.
2.
Never use this mower without the discharge chute
installed and set in the down position.
3.
Mow only in daylight or proper artificial light.
4.
Always remove debris and other objects from the area
to be mowed.
5.
Watch for holes, sprinkler heads and other hidden
hazards.
6.
Reduce speed when making sharp turns.
7.
Always have proper footing on slopes and hill sides and
never operate when conditions are slippery.
8.
Always keep both hands on the handles when mowing.
Always walk, never run.
9.
Never engage the blade clutch when the engine is
running unless you are on grass that you intend to mow.
10. Be careful when crossing gravel paths or road- ways.
Always disengage the blade clutch and wait until the
blades stop rotating.
11. Never leave the mower unattended without disengaging
the blade clutch, shifting the transmission into neutral,
placing the neutral latch levers in the neutral lock
position, shutting off the engine, removing the key from
the ignition switch and closing the fuel shutoff valve.
12. Always park the mower and start the engine on a level
surface with the transmission in neutral, the blade clutch
disengaged and the neutral latch levers in the neutral
lock position.
13. Shut off the engine and wait for the blades to stop
rotating before removing the grass catcher.
14. If you hit a solid object while mowing, disengage the
blade clutch, shift the transmission into neutral, place
the neutral latch levers in the neutral lock position and
stop the engine. Disconnect the spark plug wire(s) and
inspect for damage. Repair any damage and make sure
the blades are in good condition and the blade bolts are
tight before restarting the engine.
15. Do not mow excessively steep slopes (No more than 17
degrees or a 30% grade). Mow across the slope, not up
and down the slope.
16. Never raise the mower deck while the blades are
rotating.
17. Never walk or stand on the discharge side of a mower
with the engine running. Disengage the blade clutch if
another person approaches while you are operating a
mower.
18. Always disconnect the spark plug wire and negative
battery cable to prevent the engine from accidentally
starting before performing any maintenance on this
mower.
19. Keep the mower and especially the engine clean and
free of grease, grass and leaves to reduce the chance
of fire and to permit proper cooling.
20. The operator presence control levers located at each
handle are designed for your safety. Do not try to defeat
their operation. If the blade clutch is engaged or the
transmission is in gear, releasing both handles will shut
off the mower’s engine.
