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SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
DANGER: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROW ING OBJECTS. FAILURE
TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
•
Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn
off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove
keys before dismounting.
• Disengage blades when not mowing. Shut off engine
and wait for all parts to come to a complete stop before
cleaning the machine, removing the grass catcher, or
unclogging the discharge chute.
•
Operate machine only in daylight or good artificial light.
•
Do not operate the machine while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
•
Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing road ways.
•
Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine
into a trailer or truck.
•
Always wear eye protection when operating machine.
•
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 them-
selves and others from serious injury.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for wheel
weights or counterweights.
•
Keep machine free of grass, leaves or other debris build-up
which can touch hot exhaust / engine parts and burn. Do
not allow the mower deck to plow leaves or other debris
which can cause build-up to occur. Clean any oil or fuel
spillage before operating or storing the machine. Allow
machine to cool before storage.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-
over accidents, which can result in severe injury or death.
Operation on all slopes requires extra caution. If you cannot
back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.
•
Mow up and down slopes, not across.
•
Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden ob-
jects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
•
Choose a low ground speed so that you will not have to
stop or shift while on the slope.
•
Do not mow on wet grass. Tires may lose traction.
Always keep the machine in gear when going down slopes.
Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.
•
Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If the tires
lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly
straight down the slope.
•
Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do
not make sudden changes in speed or direction, which
could cause the machine to roll over.
•
Use extra care while operating machine with grass catch-
ers or other at tach ments; they can affect the stability of
the machine. Do no use on steep slopes.
•
Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on
the ground.
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.
The machine could suddenly roll over if a wheel is over
the edge or if the edge caves in.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
•
Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the ma-
chine and in the manual before starting.
•
Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the
machine. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.
•
Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the
in struc tions, to operate the machine.
•
Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc.,
which could be picked up and thrown by the blades.
•
Ensure the area is clear of bystanders before operating.
Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
•
Never carry passengers.
• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
Always look down and behind before and while back ing.
•
Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid
discharging material against a wall or obstruction. Material
may ricochet back toward the operator. Stop the blades
when crossing gravel surfaces.
•
Do not operate machine without the entire grass catcher,
discharge chute, or other safety devices in place and
working.
•
Slow down before turning.
WARNING: In order to prevent ac ci den tal
starting when setting up, trans port ing,
ad just ing or making repairs, al ways dis con-
nect spark plug wire and place wire where
it can not contact spark plug.
WARNING
Engine exhaust, some of its con stit u ents, and cer tain
vehicle com po nents contain or emit chem i cals
known to the State of Cal i for nia to cause can cer
and birth de fects or oth er re pro duc tive harm.
WARNING
Battery posts, terminals and related ac ces so ries
contain lead and lead compounds, chem i cals known
to the State of Cal i for nia to cause can cer and birth
defects or oth er re pro duc tive harm. Wash hands
after handling.
WARNING: Do not coast down a hill in neut-
ral, you may lose control of the tractor.
WARNING: Tow only the attachments that
are rec om mend ed by and comply with
spec i fi ca tions of the man u fac tur er of your
tractor. Use common sense when towing.
Operate only at the low est possible speed
when on a slope. Too heavy of a load, while
on a slope, is dan ger ous. Tires can lose
trac tion with the ground and cause you to
lose control of your tractor.
