8
SAFETY
WARNING!
Do not drive up or down hills with slopes
greater than 10 degrees. And do not drive across any
slopes.
• Choose a low ground speed so that you will not have to
stop while on the slope.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Tires may lose traction.
• Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If the tires
lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly
straight down the slope.
• Keep movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not
make sudden changes in speed or direction, which could
cause machine to roll over.
• Use extra care while operating machine with grass catchers
or other attachments; they can affect the stability of the
machine.
• Do not use on steep slopes.
• Do not try to stabilize the
machine by putting a foot
on the ground.
• Do not mow near drop-offs,
ditches, or embankments.
The machine could sud-
denly roll over if a wheel is
over the edge or the edge caves in.
Safe Handling of Gasoline
To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme 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
containers.
• 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 appliance.
• Before you begin refueling, minimize the risk of static
electricity by touching a metal surface.
• Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer
bed with plastic liner. Always place containers on the
ground away from the vehicle when filling.
• Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas cap and tighten
securely.
• Always wear eye protection when operating machine.
• Wear proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while
operating this machine, including (at a minimum) sturdy
footwear, eye protection, and hearing protection. Do not
mow in shorts and/or footwear with open toes.
WARNING
! When using the machine, approved
personal protective equipment should be used. Personal
protective equipment cannot eliminate the risk of injury
but it will reduce the degree of injury if an accident does
happen. Ask your retailer for help in choosing the right
equipment.
• Data indicates that operators age 60 years and above are
involved in a large percentage of riding mower-related
injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability
to operate the riding mower safely enough to protect
themselves and others from serious injury.
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for wheel
weights or counterweights.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves or other debris buildup
which can touch hot exhaust or engine parts and burn. Do
not allow the mower deck to plow leaves or other debris
which can cause buildup to occur. Clean any oil or fuel
spillage before operating or storing the machine.
• Allow machine to cool before storage.
Personal Safety Equipment
• Make sure that first aid equipment is close at hand when
using the machine.
• Never use the machine when barefoot.
• Always wear protective
shoes or boots, preferably
with steel toe caps.
• Always wear approved
protective glasses or a full
visor when assembling or
driving.
• Always wear gloves when
handling the blades.
• Never wear loose clothing
that can get caught in moving parts.
• Use ear protectors to avoid damage to hearing.
Slope Operation
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-over
accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. Operation
on all slopes requires extra caution. If you cannot back up the
slope or if you feel uneasy on it,
do not mow it.
• Mow up and down slopes
(10 degrees maximum), not
across.
• Watch for holes, ruts,
bumps, rocks, or other
hidden objects. Uneven
terrain could overturn the
machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
WARNING!
The engine and the exhaust system
become very hot during operation. There is a risk for burns
if touched. Allow engine and exhaust system to cool before
refueling.
