3
SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
•
Ensure the area is clear of bystanders before operating.
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.
•
When loading or unloading this machine, do not exceed
the maximum recommended operation angle of 15°.
III. CHILDREN
WARNING. CHILDREN CAN BE INJURED BY
THIS EQUIPMENT. The American Academy
of Pediatrics recommends that children be a
minimum of 12 year of age before operating
a pedestrian controlled lawn mower and a
minimum of 16 years of age before operating
a riding lawn mower.
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 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 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 immediately.
• 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 ensure the equipment 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 chute
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 nec-
essary.
