Read these safety rules and follow them closely. Failure to obey these rules could result in loss of con-
trol of the unit, severe personal injury or death to you, or bystanders, or damage to property or equip-
ment. This mowing deck is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. The trian-
gle in text signifies important cautions or warnings which must be followed.
Safety Rules
& Information
TRAINING
• Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the
manual and on the unit before starting. If the opera-
tor(s) or mechanic(s) can not read English it is the
owner’s responsibility to explain this material to them.
• Become familiar with the safe operation of the equip-
ment, operator controls, and safety signs.
• All operators and mechanics should be trained. The
owner is responsible for training the users.
• Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with
the instructions, to operate the unit.
• Never let children or untrained people operate or
service the equipment. Local regulations may
restrict the age of the operator.
• The owner/user can prevent and is responsible for
accidents or injuries occurring to themselves, other
people or property.
• Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and
above, are involved in a large percentage of riding
mower-related injuries. These operators should eval-
uate their ability to operate the riding mower safely
enough to protect themselves and others from seri-
ous injury.
PREPARATION
• Evaluate the terrain to determine what accessories
and attachments are needed to properly and safely
perform the job. Use only accessories and attach-
ments approved by the manufacturer.
• Wear appropriate clothing including safety shoes,
safety glasses and ear protection. Long hair, loose
clothing or jewelry may get tangled in moving parts.
• Inspect the area where the equipment is to be used
and remove all objects such as rocks, toys and wire,
which can be thrown by the machine.
• Use extra care when handling gasoline and other
fuels. They are flammable and vapors are explosive.
a) Use only an approved container.
b) Never remove fuel cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do not
smoke.
c) Never refuel the unit indoors.
• Check that operator’s presence controls, safety
switches and shields are attached and functioning
properly. Do not operate unless they are functioning
properly.
OPERATION
• Never run an engine in an enclosed area.
• Mow only in the daylight or with good artificial light.
• Be sure all drives are in neutral and parking brake is
engaged before starting engine. Only start engine
from the operator’s position. Use seat belts if provid-
ed.
• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
Always look down and behind before and while trav-
elling in reverse.
• Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do
not point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower
without either the entire grass catcher or the deflec-
tor in place.
• Slow down and use caution when making turns and
when changing directions on slopes.
• Never raise deck with the blades running.
• Never leave a running unit unattended. Always disen-
gage the PTO, set parking brake, stop engine, and
remove keys before dismounting. Keep hands and
feet away from the cutting units.
• Turn off the PTO switch to disengage the blades
when not mowing.
• Never operate with guards not securely in place. Be
sure all interlocks are attached, adjusted properly
and functioning properly.
• Never operate with the discharge deflector raised,
removed or altered, unless using a grass catcher.
• Do not change the engine governor setting or over-
speed the engine.
• Stop on level ground, lower implements, disengage
drives, engage parking brake, shut off engine before
leaving the operator’s position for any reason includ-
ing emptying the grass catchers or unclogging the
chute.
• Stop equipment and inspect blades after striking
objects or abnormal vibration occurs. Make neces-
sary repairs before resuming operations.
• Do not operate the unit while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
• Slow down and use caution when making turns and
crossing roads and sidewalks. Stop blades if not
mowing.
• Use extra care when loading or unloading the unit
into a trailer or truck.
• Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees or other objects that may obscure vision.
3
