Not for
Reproduction
8
of the angle at which machine lift-off occurred in static tests. Actual
dynamic stability may vary depending on operating conditions.
Do:
• 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. Do NOT
make sudden changes in speed or direction, which could
cause the mower to rollover.
• Do not mow down slope towards or near drop-offs,
ditches, or embankments. The mower could suddenly
turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if
an edge caves in. Give yourself a minimum of two mower
widths of clearance around these hazards.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced footing or traction
could cause sliding.
• Do not try to stabilize the unit by putting your foot on the
ground. (ride-on units).
• Do not mow excessively steep slopes.
• Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.
• Do not mow slopes if you cannot back up them.
Towed Equipment (Ride-On Units)
• Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for
towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at the
hitch point.
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for weight
limit for towed equipment and towing on slopes. See
attaching a trailer under OPERATION.
• Never allow children or others in or on towed equipment.
• On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may cause
loss of traction and loss of control.
• Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.
• Do not shift to neutral and coast down hill.
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 carry children, even with the blade(s) off. They may
fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe unit
operation. Children who have been given rides in the past
may suddenly appear in the mowing area for another ride
and be run over or backed over by the machine.
• 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
To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme
care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable
and the vapors are explosive.
Safe Handling of Gasoline
• 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.
• Never over-fill the fuel tank. Replace gas cap and tighten
securely.
• Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They
are flammable and vapors are explosive.
• If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to start the engine but
move the machine away from the area of spillage and
avoid creating any source of ignition until fuel vapors
have dissipated.
• Replace all fuel tank caps and fuel container caps
securely.
Maintenance and Storage
• Always observe safe refueling and fuel handling practices
when refueling the unit after transportation or storage.
• Always follow the engine manual instructions for storage
preparations before storing the unit for both short and
long term periods.
• Always follow the engine manual instructions for proper
start-up procedures when returning the unit to service.
