GB - 6
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Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not
point it at anyone.
•
Do not operate the machine while under the influence
of alcohol or drugs.
•
Use care when loading or unloading the machine into
or off of a trailer or truck.
•
Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
•
Inspect machine before you operate. Be sure
hardware is tight. Repair or replace damaged, badly
worn, or missing parts. Be sure guards and shields are
in good condition and fastened in place. Make any
necessary adjustments before you operate.
•
Before using, always visually inspect to see that the
blades, blade bolts and the mower assembly are not
worn and damaged. Replace worn and damaged
blades and bolts in sets to preserve balance.
•
Keep safety labels visible when installing accessories
and attachments.
•
Do not wear radio or music headphones. Safe service
and operation require your full attention.
•
When machine is left unattended, stored, or parked,
lower the mower deck unless a positive mechanical
lock is used.
•
Be sure all drives are in neutral and parking brake is
locked before starting engine. Stand as far away from
the discharge chute as possible with feet well away
from the underside of the deck to start machine.
•
Do not hang or secure any item to the control console.
The operator’s station should always remain
unobstructed.
•
Do not pull mower backwards while the blades are
rotating. Use the reverse gear to move the machine in
reverse.
Using a Spark Arrestor
The engine in this machine is not equipped with a spark
arrestor muffler. It is a violation of California Public Resource
Code Section 4442 to use or operate this engine on or near
any forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land
unless the exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrestor
meeting any applicable local or state laws. Other states or
federal areas may have similar laws.
A spark arrestor for your machine may be available from
your authorized dealer. An installed spark arrestor must be
maintained in good working order by the operator.
Checking Mowing Area
•Clear mowing area of objects that might be
thrown. Keep people and pets out of mowing area.
•Low-hanging branches and similar obstacles can
injure the operator or interfere with mowing operation.
Before mowing, identify potential obstacles such as
low-hanging branches, and trim or remove those
obstacles.
•
Study mowing area. Set up a safe mowing pattern. Do
not mow where traction or stability is doubtful.
Parking Safely
1. Stop machine on a level surface, not on a slope.
2. Disengage mower blades.
3. Lock the park brake.
4. Stop the engine.
5. Remove the key.
6. Wait for engine and all moving parts to stop before you
leave the operator’s station.
7. Close fuel shut-off valve, if your machine is equipped.
8. Remove the spark plug wire (for gasoline engines)
before servicing the machine.
Operating Safely on Slopes
•
Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall
accidents which can result in severe injury. Operation
on all slopes requires extra caution. If you feel uneasy
on a slope, do not mow it.
•
Mow across the face of slope, never up and down. Use
extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
•
Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual. Do
not make sudden changes in speed or direction.
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Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks or other hidden
objects. Uneven terrain could cause a slip and fall
accident. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
•
Do not mow on wet grass or excessively steep slopes.
Poor footing could cause a slip and fall accident.
•
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, embankments, as
well as ponds and other bodies of water. The operator
could lose footing or balance. The machine could
suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff
or ditch, or if an edge caves in.
•
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for
counterweights for added stability when operating on
slopes. Remove weights when not required.
•
Use extra care with grasscatchers. These can change
the stability of the machine. Do not use grasscatcher
on steep slopes.
Rotating Blades are Dangerous
HELP PREVENT SERIOUS OR FATAL ACCIDENTS:
•
Rotating blades can cut off arms and legs, and throw
objects. Failure to observe safety instructions could
result in serious injury or death.
Summary of Contents for 988410
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