4
BEFORE OPERATING
1. Know the controls and how to stop quickly.
2. Do not allow children to operate the machine. Do
not allow adults to operate the machine without
proper instruction.
3. If the operator(s) or mechanic(s) can not read
English it is the owner's responsibility to explain this
material to them.
4. Remove all debris or other objects that might be
picked up and thrown by the cutter blades. Keep all
bystanders away from the mowing area.
5. Keep all shields, safety devices, and decals in place.
If a shield, safety device or decal is defective or
damaged, repair or replace it before operating.
Also, check all nuts, bolts and screws for proper
tightness, to assure the machine is in safe operating
condition.
6. Do not operate the machine while wearing sandals,
tennis shoes, sneakers or shorts. Also, do not wear
loose fitting clothing which could get caught in
moving parts. Always wear long pants and substan-
tial shoes. Wearing safety glasses and safety shoes
is advisable and required by some local ordinances
and insurance regulations.
7. The owner/user can prevent and is responsible for
accidents or injuries occuring to themselves, other
people or property.
8. Fill the fuel tank with clean, fresh gasoline, with a
minimum octane rating of 87. Avoid spilling gaso-
line. Gasoline is highly flammable, handle it carefully.
A. Use an approved gasoline container.
B. Do not fill the tank while the engine is hot or
running.
C. Do not smoke while handling gasoline.
D. Fill the fuel tank outdoors and up to approxi-
mately 1" (25 mm) below the bottom of the filler
neck.
E. Wipe up any spilled gasoline.
9. Before attempting to start the engine, shift the
transmission into neutral, move the blade engage-
ment switch to the OFF position, and move the
neutral latches to neutral.
WHILE OPERATING
1. Do not operate the machine under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
2. Start the engine when the neutral latches are in the
neutral lock position, the cutter blades are disen-
gaged, and the transmission is in neutral.
3. Do not run the engine in a confined area without
adequate ventilation. Exhaust fumes are hazardous
and could possibly be deadly.
4. Using the machine demands attention. To
prevent loss of control:
A. Mow only in daylight or when there is good
artificial light.
B. Watch for holes or other hidden hazards.
C. Do not drive close to a drop-off, ditch, creek
bank, or other hazard.
D. Reduce speed when making sharp turns and
when turning on hillsides.
E. Always be sure of your footing. Keep a firm
hold on the handles and walk---never run.
F. Do not operate where conditions are slippery.
5. The discharge chute must always be installed and in
the down position on the side discharge cutter deck
except when the Scag optional grass catcher or
mulching plate are properly installed. If the dis-
charge area should plug, shut the engine off and wait
for all movement to stop before removing the
obstruction.
6. Disengage the blades and wait for them to stop
before crossing gravel drives, walks or roads.
7. Shut the engine off and wait until the blades come to
a complete stop before removing the grass catcher
container.
8. Never raise the cutter deck while the blades are
rotating.
