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DANGER
POTENTIAL HAZARD
♦
Mowing on wet grass or steep slopes can cause sliding and
loss of control.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
♦
Loss of control and/or loss of operator’s footing could result
in a fall with an arm or leg getting under the mower or
engine deck, which may result in serious injury or death.
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
♦
Mow across slopes, never up and down.
♦
Do not mow slopes when grass is wet.
♦
Do not mow near drop-offs or near water.
♦
Do not mow slopes greater than 20 degrees.
♦
Reduce speed and use extreme caution on slopes.
♦
Avoid sudden turns or rapid speed changes.
•
See inside the back cover to determine the approximate slope angle of the
area to be mowed.
•
Progressively greater care is needed as the slope increases.
•
Always avoid sudden starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction,
disengage the blades and proceed slowly off the slope.
•
Be aware that loss of traction may occur going downhill. Weight transfer to
the front wheels may cause drive wheels to slip and cause loss of braking
and steering.
•
Watch for ditches, holes, rocks, dips, and rises that change the operating
angle, as rough terrain could overturn the machine.
•
Remove or mark obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc. from the mowing
area. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
•
Use extreme care with grass catchers or attachments. These can change the
stability of the machine and cause loss of control.
1.4.5 Use
EXTREME
caution when backing up.
LOOK BEHIND YOU!!
1.4.6
Stop the blades when crossing surfaces other than grass, if mower must be tilted
for transportation, and when transporting the mower to and from the area to be
mowed.
1.4.7
Never operate the mower with defective guards, shields, or covers. Always have
safety shields, guards, switches, and other devices in place and in proper working
condition.
1.4.8
Do Not
change the engine governor settings or over speed the engine. Operating
an engine at excessive speed may increase the hazard of personal injury.
1.4.9
Place speed control lever in neutral, lock drive levers in neutral, disengage PTO,
and engage park brake before starting engine.
1.4.10 Start the engine carefully with feet well away from the blades.
1.4.11 Keep hands, feet, and clothing away from rotating parts while the mower is being
operated.
1.4.12 Stop the engine, wait for all moving parts to stop, and remove plug wire(s) or key:
•
Before checking, cleaning or working on the mower.
•
After striking a foreign object (inspect the mower for damage and make
repairs before restarting and operating the mower).
•
Before clearing blockages.
•
Whenever you leave the mower.
