Read these safety rules and follow them closely. Failure to obey these rules could result in loss of con-
trol of unit, severe personal injury or death to you, or bystanders, or damage to property or equipment.
This mowing deck is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects.
The triangle
in text signifies important cautions or warnings which must be followed.
Safety Rules
& Information
WARNING
Never operate on slopes greater than 30 percent
(16.7°) which is a rise of three feet vertically in 10
feet horizontally.
Select slow ground speed before driving onto slope.
Use extra caution when operating on slopes with
rear-mounted grass catcher.
Mow UP and DOWN the slope, never across the
face, use caution when changing directions and
DO NOT START OR STOP ON SLOPE.
Do
• Mow up and down slopes, not across.
• 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 attach-
ments. 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.
Do Not
•
Do not
start or stop on a slope. If tires lose traction,
disengage the blade(s) and proceed slowly straight
down the slope.
•
Do not
turn on slopes unless necessary, and then,
turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
•
Do not
mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embank-
ments. The 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 traction could
cause sliding.
•
Do not
try to stabilize the unit by putting your foot on
the ground.
•
Do not
use grass catcher on steep slopes.
GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the
manual and on the unit before starting.
• Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with
the instructions, to operate the unit.
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire,
etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the
blade(s).
• Be sure the area is clear of other people before
mowing. Stop unit if anyone enters the area.
• Never carry passengers.
• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
Always look down and behind before and while trav-
elling in reverse.
• 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 deflec-
tor in place.
• Slow down before turning.
• Never leave a running unit unattended. Always
disengage the PTO, set parking brake, stop engine,
and remove keys before dismounting.
• Turn off the PTO switch to disengage the blades
when not mowing.
• Stop engine before removing grass catcher or
unclogging chute.
• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
• Do not operate the unit while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
• Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing
roadways.
• Use extra care when loading or unloading the unit
into a trailer or truck.
• 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.
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.
