4
Safety Rules & Information
SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and
tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or
death. All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot
back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not drive
on it.
Do
• See your authorized dealer for recommendations of
available weights to improve stability.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overturn the unit. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
• Use slow speed. Choose a slow speed so that you
will not have to stop or change speed while on the
slope.
• Use extra care with grass catchers or other attach-
ments. These can change the stability of the unit.
• Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual.
Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction.
Do Not
• Do not start or stop on a slope. If tires lose traction,
disengage the blade(s) and proceed slowly straight
down the slope.
• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then,
turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embank-
ments. The mower could suddenly turn over if a
wheel is over the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge
caves in.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could
cause sliding.
• Do not try to stabilize the unit by putting your foot on
the ground.
• Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.
CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to
the presence of children. Children are often attracted to
the unit and the mowing activity. Never assume that chil-
dren will remain where you last saw them.
• Keep children out of the mowing area and under the
watchful care of another responsible adult.
• Be alert and turn unit off if children enter the area.
• Before and during reverse operation, look behind and
down for small children.
• Never carry children. They may fall off and be seri-
ously injured or interfere with safe unit operation.
• Never allow children to operate the unit.
• Use extra care when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure
vision.
TRANSPORTING AND STORAGE
• Always observe safe refueling and fuel handling
practices when refueling the unit after transportation
or storage.
• Always follow the engine manual instructions for
storage preparations before storing the unit for both
short and long term periods.
• Always follow the engine manual instructions for
proper start-up procedures when returning the unit to
service.
• Never store the unit or fuel container inside where
there is an open flame or pilot light, such as in a
water heater. Allow unit to cool before storing.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
• 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.
• Never run a unit in an enclosed area.
• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment
bolts, tight and keep equipment in good condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.
• Keep unit free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-
up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage.
• Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an
object. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
• Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine
running unless specified otherwise in the engine
manufacturer’s manual.
WARNING
Never operate on slopes greater than 30 percent
(16.7°) which is a rise of three feet vertically in 10
feet horizontally. In the forward direction, this
machine will climb a slope too steep to mow
safely.
• Select slow ground speed before driving onto slope.
In addition to front and rear weights, use extra cau-
tion when operating on slopes with rear-mounted
grass catcher.
• Watch for any changes in the terrain such as ditches,
holes, rocks, dips and rises, which change the oper-
ating angle of the machine.
• Carefully follow the “Do’s” and “Dont’s” listed below.
