5
R
Section 2
Reduce speed and exercise extreme caution on
2.
slopes and in sharp turns to prevent tipping or loss
of control. Be especially cautious when changing
directions on slopes.
Stay two cut widths away from slopes, drop offs,
3.
ditches and retaining walls.
To prevent tipping or loss of control, start and stop
4.
smoothly, avoid unnecessary turns and travel at
reduced speed.
When using any attachment, never direct the
5.
discharge of material toward bystanders or allow
anyone near the machine while in operation.
Before attempting to start the engine, with the
6.
operator in the seat, disengage power to the cutter
deck, place the steering control levers in the neutral
position and engage the parking brake.
If the mower discharge ever plugs, shut off the
7.
engine, remove the ignition key, and wait for all
movement to stop before removing the obstruction.
WARNING
DO NOT use your hand to dislodge the clogged
discharge chute. Use a stick or other device to
remove clogged material after the engine has
stopped running and the blades have stopped
turning.
Be alert for holes, rocks, roots and other hidden
8.
hazards in the terrain. Keep away from any drop-
offs. Beware of overhead obstructions (low limbs,
etc.), underground obstacles (sprinklers, pipes, tree
roots, etc.). Cautiously enter a new area. Be alert for
hidden hazards.
Disengage power to cutter deck before backing up.
9.
Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary
and then only after observation of the entire area
behind the mower. If you must mow in reverse,
maintain a constant lookout to the rear of the
machine and mow slowly.
DO NOT turn sharply. Use care when backing up.
10.
Disengage power to cutter deck before crossing
11.
roads, walks or gravel drives.
Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
12.
NEVER raise the deck with the blades engaged.
13.
Take all possible precautions when leaving the
14.
machine unattended, such as disengaging the
mower, lowering the attachments, setting the parking
brake, stopping the engine, and removing the key.
Disengage power to the attachments when
15.
transporting or when not in use.
The machine and attachments should be stopped
16.
and inspected for damage after striking a foreign
object, and damage should be repaired before
restarting and operating the machine.
CAUTION
Do not touch the engine or the muffler while the
engine is running or immediately after stopping.
These areas may be hot enough to cause a
burn.
DANGER
DO NOT run the engine inside a building or
a confined area without proper ventilation.
Exhaust fumes are hazardous and contain
carbon monoxide which can cause brain injury
and death.
Keep hands and feet away from cutter blades and
17.
moving parts. Contact can injure.
Transport the mower using a heavy duty trailer
18.
or truck. Insure the trailer or truck has all of the
necessary lighting and markings as required by
laws, codes, and ordinances. Secure a trailer with a
safety chain.
Be cautious when loading and unloading onto trailers
19.
or trucks. Use only a full width ramp. Ramp angle
should be no more than 15 degrees. See Figure 2-4,
Page 7 to determine approximate slope of the ramp.
Back up the ramp and drive down forward.
When transporting the mower, make sure the park
20.
brake is engaged, the steering control levers are in
the neutral position, the engine is off with the key
removed, and the wheels have been blocked.
Tie the mower down securely using straps, chains,
21.
cable, or ropes. Both front and rear straps must be
directed down and outward from machine.
