• 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 guard.
• Do not operate the machine 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
machine into a trailer or truck.
•
Always wear eye protection when operating
machine.
•
Wear proper Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE) while operating this machine, including
(at a minimum) sturdy footwear, eye protection,
and hearing protection. Do not mow in shorts
and/or footwear with open toes.
•
Always wear approved protective glasses or a
full visor when assembling or driving.
•
Always wear gloves when handling the blades.
• Do not wear loose clothing that can get caught
in moving parts.
• Use ear protectors to avoid damage to hearing.
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 slopes requires
much more caution. If you cannot back up the
slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.
• Mow up and down
slopes (10 degrees
maximum), not
across.
• Watch for holes,
ruts, bumps, rocks,
or other hidden
objects. Uneven
terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass
can hide obstacles.
•
Choose a low ground speed so that you will not
have to stop while on the slope.
•
Do not mow on wet grass. Tires may lose
traction.
• Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If
the tires lose traction, disengage the blades and
proceed slowly straight down the slope.
• Keep movement on the slopes slow and
gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed
or direction, which could cause machine to roll
over.
•
Use extra care while operating machine with
grass catchers or other attachments; the
stability of the machine can be effected.
• Do not use on steep slopes.
•
Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting a
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 the edge
caves in.
WARNING!
When using the machine,
approved personal protective equipment must
be used. Personal protective equipment cannot
eliminate the risk of injury but it will reduce the
degree of injury if an accident does happen.
Ask your retailer for help in choosing the right
equipment.
•
Data indicates that operators age 60 years and
above are involved in a large percentage of
riding mower-related injuries. These operators
must evaluate if they can safely operate the
riding mower sufficiently to protect themselves
and others from serious injury.
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for
wheel weights or counterweights.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves or other
debris buildup which can touch hot exhaust or
engine parts and burn. Do not let the mower
deck plow leaves or other debris that can cause
a buildup to occur. Clean oil or fuel spillage
before operating or storing the machine.
• Let machine cool before storage.
Personal Safety Equipment
•
Make sure that first aid equipment is close at
hand when using the machine.
• Do not use the
machine when
barefoot.
•
Always wear
protective shoes or
boots, preferably
with steel toe caps.
WARNING!
Do not drive up or down hills
with slopes greater than 10 degrees. Do not
drive across slopes.
8
SAFETY
