Not for
Reproduction
7
WARNING
Do not operate on slopes greater than 15 degrees.
1. Use a straight edge at least two (2) feet long (A,
Figure 3). A 2x4 or a straight piece of metal works well.
2. Angle finder tools.
a.
Use your smartphone:
Many smartphones (B,
Figure 3) have an inclinometer (angle finder) located
under the compass application (app). Or, search an
app store for an Inclinometer app.
b.
Use angle finder tools:
Angle finder tools (C and
D, Figure 3) are available at local hardware stores
or online (also called inclinometer, protractor, angle
meter, or angle gauge). Dial type (C) or digital type
(D) work, others may not. Read and obey the user
instructions supplied with the angle finder tool.
3. Put the two (2) feet long straight edge along the steepest
part of the lawn slope. Put the board up and down the
slope.
4. Lay the smartphone or angle finder tool on the straight
edge and read the angle in degrees. This is the slope of
your lawn.
Note:
A paper gauge slope identification guide is included
in your product literature packet and is also available to
download from the manufacturer's website.
Safety Rules and Information
Training
• Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the
manual and on the unit before starting. If the operator(s)
or mechanic(s) can not read English it is the owner’s
responsibility to explain this material to them.
• Become familiar with the safe operation of the equipment,
operator controls, and safety signs.
• All operators and mechanics should be trained. The
owner is responsible for training the users.
• Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the
instructions, to operate the unit.
• Never let children or untrained people operate or service
the equipment. Local regulations may restrict the age of
the operator.
• The owner/user can prevent and is responsible for
accidents or injuries occurring to themselves, other
people or property.
• Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above,
are involved in a large percentage of riding mower-related
injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability
to operate the riding mower safely enough to protect
themselves and others from serious injury.
Preparation
• Evaluate the terrain to determine what accessories and
attachments are needed to properly and safely perform
the job. Use only accessories and attachments approved
by the manufacturer.
• Wear appropriate clothing including safety shoes, safety
glasses and ear protection. Long hair, loose clothing or
jewelry may get tangled in moving parts.
• Inspect the area where the equipment is to be used and
remove all objects such as rocks, toys and wire, which
can be thrown by the machine.
• Use extra care when handling gasoline and other fuels.
They are flammable and vapors are explosive.
• Use only an approved container.
• Never remove fuel cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do not
smoke.
• Never refuel or drain the machine indoors.
• Check that operator’s presence controls, safety switches
and shields are attached and functioning properly. Do not
operate unless they are functioning properly.
Operation
• Never run an engine in an enclosed area.
• Mow only in the daylight or with good artificial light,
keeping away from holes and hidden hazards.
• Be sure all drives are in neutral and parking brake is
engaged before starting engine. Only start engine from
the operator’s position. Use seat belts if provided.
• Be sure of your footing while using pedestrian controlled
equipment, especially when backing up. Walk, don’t run.
Reduced footing could cause slipping.
• Slow down and use extra care on hillsides. Be sure to
travel in the recommended direction on hillsides. Turf
conditions can affect the machines stability. Use caution
when operating near drop-offs.
• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
Always look down, behind and to the side before
changing directions.
• Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not
point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without
either the entire grass catcher or the deflector in place.
• Slow down and use caution when making turns and when
changing directions on slopes.
• Never raise deck with the blades running.
• Never leave a running unit unattended. Always disengage
the PTO, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove
keys before dismounting. Keep hands and feet away from
the cutting units.
• Turn off the PTO switch to disengage the blades when
not mowing.
• Never operate with guards not securely in place. Be
sure all interlocks are attached, adjusted properly and
functioning properly.
• Never operate with the discharge deflector raised,
removed or altered, unless using a grass catcher.
• Do not change the engine governor setting or overspeed
the engine.
• Stop on level ground, lower implements, disengage
drives, engage parking brake, shut off engine before
leaving the operator’s position for any reason including
emptying the grass catchers or unclogging the chute.
