3
SAFETY RULES
IMPORTANT:
This cutting machine is ca pa ble of amputating hands and feet and throw-
ing objects. Failure to observe the fol low ing safety instructions could result in serious
injury or death.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all instruc-
tions in the manual and on the machine
before starting.
• Only allow responsible adults, who are
familiar with the in struc tions, to operate
the machine.
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks,
toys, wire, etc., which could be picked
up and thrown by the blade.
• Be sure the area is clear of other people
before mow ing. Stop machine if anyone
enters the area.
• Never carry passengers.
• Do not mow in reverse unless ab so -
lute ly necessary. Always look down and
behind before and while back ing.
• Be aware of the mower discharge direc-
tion and do not point it at anyone. Do
not operate the mower without either
the entire grass catcher or the guard in
place.
• Slow down before turning.
• Never leave a running machine unat-
tended. Always turn off blades, set
parking brake, stop engine, and remove
keys before dismounting.
• Turn off blades when not mowing.
• Stop engine before removing grass
catcher or un clog ging chute.
• Mow only in daylight or good artifi cial
light.
• Do not operate the machine while under
the infl uence of alcohol or drugs.
• Watch for traffi c when operating near or
crossing road ways.
• Use extra care when loading or un-
load ing the machine into a trailer or
truck.
• Data indicates that operators, age 60
years and above, are involved in a large
percentage of riding mower-related in-
juries. These operators should evaluate
their ability to operate the riding mower
safely enough to protect them selves and
others from serious injury.
• Keep machine free of grass , leaves or
other debris build-up which can touch
hot exhaust / engine parts and burn . Do
not allow the mower deck to plow leaves
or other debris which can cause build-
up to occur. Clean any oil or fuel
spillage before operating or storing the
machine . Allow machine to cool before
storage.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-
of-control and tipover accidents, which can
re sult 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 mow it.
DO:
• Mow up and down slopes, not across.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree
limbs, etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Un-
even terrain could overturn the machine.
Tall grass can hide ob sta cles.
• Use slow speed. Choose a low gear
so that you will not have to stop or shift
while on the slope.
WARNING:
In order to prevent ac-
cidental starting when setting up, trans-
port ing, ad just ing or making repairs,
always dis con nect spark plug wire and
place wire where it can not contact spark
plug.
WARNING:
Do not coast down a hill in
neutral, you may lose control of the tractor.
WARNING:
Tow only the attachments
that are rec om mend ed by and comply with
spec i fi
ca tions of the man u fac tur er of your
tractor. Use common sense when towing.
Operate only at the lowest possible speed
when on a slope. Too heavy of a load,
while on a slope, is dan ger ous. Tires can
lose trac tion with the ground and cause
you to lose control of your tractor.
WARNING:
Engine exhaust, some of its
constituents, and certain vehicle com po -
nents contain or emit chem i cals known
to the State of Cal i for nia to cause can cer
and birth defects or oth er re pro duc tive
harm.
WARNING:
Battery posts, terminals
and related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds, chemicals known to the
State of Cal i for nia to cause can cer and
birth defects or oth er re pro duc tive harm.
Wash hands after handling.
