2
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
PREPARATION
(Continued From Previous Page)
11. Protect yourself when mowing and wear appropriate
clothing including safety glasses, long pants, ear
protection, hardhat and substantial footwear with
good traction. Long hair, loose clothing or jewelry
may get tangled in moving parts.
12. Know how to STOP blades and engine quickly in
preparation for emergencies.
13. Use extra care when loading or unloading the
machine into a trailer or truck.
14. Check grass catcher components frequently for
signs of wear or deterioration and replace as needed
to prevent injury from thrown objects going through
weak or worn spots.
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
1. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other
sources of ignition.
2. Use only an approved fuel container.
3. DO NOT remove fuel cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allow the engine to cool before refueling.
4. DO NOT refuel the machine indoors.
5. DO NOT store the machine or fuel container inside
where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light such
as on a water heater or other appliances.
6. DO NOT fill fuel containers inside a vehicle or on a
truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place
the containers on the ground away from the vehicle
before filling.
7. Remove gas-powered equipment from the vehicle or
trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not
possible, then refuel equipment using a portable
container, rather than a gasoline dispenser nozzle.
8. DO NOT start gas powered equipment in enclosed
vehicles or trailers.
9. 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
10. If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing
immediately.
11. DO NOT overfill a fuel tank. Replace fuel cap and
tighten securely.
OPERATION
1. DO NOT put hands or feet near or under rotating
parts. Keep clear of the discharge area while the
engine is running.
2. BEFORE STARTING ENGINE, blades must be OFF
and Traction Levers LOCKED in the Traction Lock
position.
OPERATION
(Continued From Previous Column)
3. Stop Blades when crossing gravel drive, walks, and
under any conditions where thrown objects might be
a hazard.
4. DO NOT raise deck with the blades running.
5. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
6. USE EXTRA CARE when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees or other objects that may obscure
vision.
7. DO NOT operate the machine while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
8. After striking a foreign object or if the mower vibrates
abnormally, STOP the blades and engine. Remove the
key. Disconnect and secure the spark plug wire.
Inspect the mower for any damage and repair the
damage.
9. DO NOT operate machine near drop offs, ditches,
embankments, washouts culverts, fences and
protruding objects. STAY ALERT for holes and other
hidden hazards. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
10. DO NOT operate machine on wet grass. Always be
sure of your footing while operating machine,
especially while backing up. Keep a firm grip on the
handle. Walk: never run. Slipping and falling could
cause injury.
11. DO NOT leave the machine with the engine running.
STOP BLADES, STOP ENGINE and REMOVE KEY
before leaving the operator position for any reason.
10. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting make certain
blades, engine and all moving parts have STOPPED.
Remove key and secure spark plug wire away from
spark plug key to prevent accidental starting.
11. STOP MACHINE on level ground, engage parking
brake (if equipped) and make sure engine and blades
have stopped before leaving the operator’s position
for any reason including removing grass catcher or
unclogging mower to prevent injury to hands or feet.
12. Blades must be OFF except when cutting grass. Set
blades in highest position when mowing over rough
ground.
13. Keep hands and feet away from rotating blades
underneath deck.
14. DO NOT operate machine without entire grass
catcher or guards in place. DO NOT point discharge
at people, passing cars, windows or doors.
15. Slow down before turning.
16. Watch out for traffic when near or crossing roadways.
17. Move motion control levers SLOWLY to maintain
control during speed and directional changes.
18. DO NOT operate engine in enclosed areas. Engine
exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, a deadly
poison.
