3-2
•
Remove or mark the location of all immovable
objects or irregular areas and be sure not to hit
them with any part of the machine. Obstacles
including and not limited to holes, abrupt
changes in ground contour, tree trunks, stumps
or roots, pipes or posts, paving edges, and
rock outcroppings can abruptly turn or stop the
machine. This could throw you off the machine
or possibly over the handle bars causing
serious injury or death.
•
Check carefully for overhead obstacles (i.e.
branches, clothes lines, doorways, electrical
wire, decks, building overhangs, etc.) before
operating and do not operate near them.
•
Wear appropriate clothing and personal
protective equipment; including safety glasses,
long pants, substantial slip-resistant footwear,
gloves, and hearing protection. Tie back long
hair.
•
Do not wear jewelry, sneakers, sandals, shorts,
baggy clothing, or any clothing or accessories
with loose loops or lanyards.
•
Keep the area of operation clear of all
bystanders, particularly small children. Stop the
machine and attachment(s) if anyone enters the
area.
•
Check that the operator’s presence controls,
safety switches, interlocks, hardware, and
shields are attached and functioning properly.
Do not operate the machine unless they
are functioning properly. Repair or replace
damaged, badly worn, or missing parts
•
Do not operate machine without the entire
grass catcher, discharge chute, or other
safety devices in place and functioning
properly. Check frequently for signs of wear or
deterioration and replace as needed.
•
Ensure that all drives are in neutral and that
the parking brake is engaged before starting
engine. Start the electric start engines only from
the operator’s position.
•
Before using, always visually inspect to see
that the blades, blade bolts and the mower
assembly are not worn or damaged. Never
straighten or weld blades.
Operating
•
Keep a firm hold of the stationary handle at
all times. Keep both feet on the platform at all
times.
•
To prevent serious injury never place your foot
or feet on the ground near the back edge of the
machine while backing up.
•
Do not suddenly push controls in forward
direction while machine is in a rearward motion.
Operate the controls smoothly.
•
Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely
necessary. Always look down and behind before
and while backing to ensure a clear path. Use
extra caution when operating in reverse.
•
Do not operate the machine faster than
conditions allow. For example, hills, wet or
bumpy ground, dim light or high grass are all
conditions requiring slower speeds. Never
operate the machine at the highest speed
unless you are on level, wide, open areas
of clearly visible ground or transporting on
paved areas. Speeding with any machine is
dangerous, and so is traveling faster than
conditions should permit on this machine.
Sudden stops from excessive speed or falling
off the machine may cause serious injury or
death.
•
Know the controls and how to stop quickly.
•
During zero-radius turns (when one machine
wheel rotates backwards while the other
rotates forward) drive extra slowly to reduce the
possibility of losing traction, losing control, or
losing your balance. This will help prevent you
from being thrown off the machine.
•
Use care when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure
vision.
•
Slow down and use caution when making turns
and crossing roads and sidewalks. Stop the
blades if you are not mowing. Watch for traffic
when operating near or crossing roadways.
•
Turn off blades and wait for them to stop before
crossing roadways, gravel areas, and climbing
or dismounting curbs.
•
Do not raise the mower deck with the blades
running.
•
Do not direct discharge material toward anyone.
Avoid discharging material against a wall or
obstruction. Material may ricochet back toward
the operator.
•
If the machine discharge clogs, turn off the
blade clutch switch, apply the parking brake,
stop the engine and remove the key before
removing obstruction(s).
•
Do not leave the machine running unattended.
Always park on level ground, disengage the
attachment, set parking brake, and stop engine.
•
Stop on level ground, disengage drives,
engage the parking brake, and shut off the
engine before leaving the operator’s position
for any reason including emptying the catchers,
unclogging the chute, and servicing the blades
or cutter deck.
•
Stop equipment and inspect the blades after
striking objects or if an abnormal vibration
occurs. Make the necessary repairs before
resuming operations.
•
Keep hands, feet and clothing away from
rotating parts, especially the rear wheels,
blades, engine flywheel, fans, belts and pulleys.
•
Do not touch parts that may be hot from
operation. Allow the machine to cool before
