3-3
attempting to maintain, adjust, service, unjamb,
or service the machine.
•
Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or
under the machine. Keep clear of the discharge
opening at all times.
Slope Specific
•
Before operating on slopes, walk the area
and evaluate the surface for traction and
smoothness. Slopes with drop offs, water, or
compromised traction should be maintained
through other maintenance techniques.
•
Slow down and use extra care on hillsides. Be
sure to travel in the recommended direction on
hillsides. Turf conditions can affect the stability
of the machine.
•
Do not operate near drop-offs, ditches,
embankments, or water. The machine could
suddenly roll over if a wheel goes over the
edge or the edge caves in. The machine could
suddenly slide if traction is compromised. Leave
a safety area between the machine and any
hazard.
•
Slow down and use caution when making turns
and when changing directions on slopes.
•
Slopes are a major factor related to accidents.
Operation on all slopes requires extra caution.
•
Establish your own special operating
procedures and rules for operating on slopes.
These procedures must include a survey of
all mowing sites to determine which slopes
are acceptable. Always use caution, and good
judgement when performing this survey.
•
Note that high traction conditions present a
greater rollover hazard while lower traction
conditions present a greater loss of control
hazard. Ground and turf conditions vary
depending on the weather and must be taken
into consideration at all times.
•
Some liquid landscape chemicals contain
surfactants which may by very slippery and
severely compromise safe operation.
•
Do not operate on steep slopes.
•
Do not operate the machine on slopes when the
grass is wet.
•
Do not operate machine under any condition
where traction, steering, or stability is in
question. Tires could slide even if the wheels
are stopped.
•
Always keep the machine in gear when going
down slopes. Do not coast downhill.
•
Avoid starting and stopping on slopes. Avoid
making sudden changes in speed or direction.
Make turns slowly and gradually.
•
Use extra care while operating machine with a
grass catcher or other attachment(s). They can
affect the stability of the machine.
•
There is a danger of suddenly sliding sideways
or down the hill. When operating on a slope,
travel across the grade whenever possible, not
in an up or down pattern.
•
Reduce speed and exercise extreme caution
on slopes and in sharp turns to prevent tipping
or loss of control. Be especially cautious when
changing direction on slopes.
•
Do not operate tires that are worn beyond 3/32”
of tread. Do not use unapproved treads or tire
pressures. Unapproved treads or excessive
pressures can compromise your traction.
Children Specific
•
Death or serious injury can occur when young
children associate having fun with lawn mowing
equipment.
•
Children who have been entertained with power
equipment in the past may be attracted to
the machine while operating. Children do not
understand the hazards of rotating blades and
moving equipment. Never use the machine as a
recreational vehicle or to entertain children.
•
Never allow children or untrained operators to
operate the machine. Instruct all operators to
not give children rides.
•
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not
alert to the presence of children. Children are
often attracted to the machine and the mowing
activity.
•
Never assume that children will remain where
you last saw them.
•
Keep children out of the operating area and
under the watchful care of a responsible adult
other than the operator.
•
Do not carry children, even with the blade(s)
shut off. Children could fall off and be seriously
injured or interfere with safe machine operation.
Children who have been given rides in the past
could suddenly appear in the mowing area for
another ride and be run over or backed over by
the machine.
•
Do not allow children to play on or around
machine when not in use and never leave the
key in the ignition switch. Children may be
injured by hot components and are prone to
attempt operating all functions of the equipment
which may result in becoming pinched, crushed,
or unintended operation.
Fire and Fuel Specific
•
Besides routine maintenance, one of the best
ways to reduce the risk of fire is to regularly
check and remove debris and combustible
residue from the machine.
•
Use extra care when handling fuels. They are
flammable and vapors are explosive.
•
Use only an approved container.
•
Do not remove the fuel cap or add fuel with the
engine running. Allow the engine to cool before
refueling.
