3
SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
• Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before op-
erating. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
• Never carry passengers.
•
Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
Al ways look down and behind before and while
backing.
• Never carry children, even with the blades shut
off. They may fall off and be seriously injured or
interfere with safe machine operation. Children who
have been given rides in the past may suddenly
appear in the mowing area for another ride and be
run over or backed over by the machine.
• Keep children out of the mowing area and in the
watchful care of a responsible adult other than the
operator.
• Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the
area.
• Before and while backing, look behind and down
for small children.
• Mow up and down slopes (15° Max), not across.
• Choose a low ground speed so that you will not
have to stop or shift while on the slope.
• Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If
the tires lose traction, disengage the blades and
proceed slowly straight down the slope.
• If machine stops while going uphill, disengage
blades, shift into reverse and back down slowly.
•
Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then,
turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to
the presence of children. Children are often attracted
to the ma chine and the mowing activity.
Never
assume
that children will remain where you last saw them.
• Keep children out of the mowing area and in the
watchful care of a responsible adult other than the
operator.
• Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the
area.
• Before and while backing, look behind and down
for small children.
• Never carry children, even with the blades shut
off. They may fall off and be seriously injured or
interfere with safe machine operation. Children who
have been given rides in the past may suddenly
appear in the mowing area for another ride and be
run over or backed over by the machine.
• Never allow children to operate the machine.
• Use extra care when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees, or other objects that may block your
view of a child.
IV. TOWING
•
Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed
for towing. Do not attach towed equipment except
at the hitch point.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for
weight limits for towed equipment and towing on
slopes.
• Never allow children or others in or on towed
equipment.
•
On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may
cause loss of traction and loss of control.
• Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.
V. SERVICE
SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE
To avoid personal injury or property damage, use ex-
treme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely
flammable and the vapors are explosive.
• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other
sources of ignition.
• Use only approved gasoline container.
• Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allow engine to cool before refueling.
• Never fuel the machine indoors.
• Never store the machine or fuel container where
there is an open flame, spark, or pilot light such
as on a water heater or other appliances.
• Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck
or trailer bed with plastic liner. Always place
containers on the ground away from your vehicle
when filling.
• Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck
or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not
possible, then refuel such equipment with a portable
container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser
nozzle.
• Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel
tank or container opening at all times until fueling is
complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.
• If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing im-
mediately.
•
Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas cap and tighten
securely.
GENERAL SERVICE
• Never operate machine in a closed area.
• Keep all nuts and bolts tight to be sure the equip-
ment is in safe working condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their
proper operation regularly.
•
Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris
build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuel-
soaked debris. Allow machine to cool before storing.
• If you strike a foreign object, stop and inspect the
machine. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
• Never make any adjustments or repairs with the
engine run ning.
•
Check grass catcher components and the discharge
guard frequently and replace with manufacturer's
recommended parts, when necessary.
• Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear
gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.
• Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and
service as required.
• Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels,
as necessary.
