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Reproduction
7
Slope Operation
Slopes are a major factor 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 it, do not drive on it.
WARNING
Operating on a steep slope can cause sliding and loss of
steering, control, and rollover.
Select slow ground speed before driving onto a slope. Use
extra caution when operating on slopes with rear mounted
grass catchers.
Mow across the face of slopes, not up and down, use
caution when changing directions and DO NOT START OR
STOP ON A SLOPE.
Do:
• Mow across slopes, not up and down.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overturn the unit. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
• Use slow speed. Choose a slow speed so that you will
not have to stop or change speed while on the slope.
• Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments.
These can change the stability of the unit.
• Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do
not make sudden changes in speed or direction.
• See your authorized dealer for recommendations of
available weights to improve stability.
Do not:
• Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If tires
lose traction (i.e. machine stops forward motion on a
slope), disengage the blade(s) (PTO) and drive slow off
the slope.
• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn
slowly.
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.
The operator could lose footing or balance or mower
could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a
cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced footing or traction
could cause sliding.
• Do not mow excessively steep slopes.
• Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.
Children
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the unit
and the mowing activity. Never assume that children will
remain where you last saw them.
• Keep children out of the mowing area and under the
watchful care of another responsible adult.
• Be alert and turn unit off if children enter the area.
• Before and during reverse operation, look behind and
down for small children.
• Never allow children to operate the unit.
• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
Emissions
• Engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals
known, in certain quantities, to cause cancer, birth
defects, or other reproductive harm.
• Look for the relevant Emissions Durability Period and Air
Index information on the engine emissions label.
Service and Maintenance Safety
WARNING
Amputation and crushing hazard
Specific steps must be taken in order to perform service and
maintenance procedures safely.
Read and follow all the applicable safety and instructional
messages in this manual.
Always disengage the mower blades, set the parking brake,
turn the engine OFF, remove the ignition key, and wait
for all movement to stop prior to performing service and
maintenance procedures.
Always disconnect the spark plug wire(s) and fasten it away
from the plug before beginning any maintenance or service
procedures on order to prevent accidental ignition.
Safe Handling of Gasoline
DANGER
Fire and explosion hazard
To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme
care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable
and the vapors are explosive.
• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources
of ignition.
• Use only approved gasoline containers.
• Never remove the gas cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allow the engine to cool before refueling.
• Never fuel the machine indoors.
• Never store the machine or fuel container where there is
an open flame, spark, or pilot light such as near a water
heater or other appliance.
• Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck bed
with a plastic bed liner. Always place containers on the
ground away from your vehicle before filling.
• Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or
trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible,
then refuel such equipment on a trailer with a portable
container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.
• Keep nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or
container opening at all times until fueling is complete. Do
not use a nozzle lock-open device.
• If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately.
