PREPARATION
1. Unit is capable of amputating hands
and feet and
throwing
objects.
Failure to
observe the
following safety instructions could result
in serious injury or property damage.
2. Serious accidents which may cause
injury or property damage can occur if the
following safety guidelines are not fol-
lowed. The operator is solely responsible
for accidents or hazards that occur when
using the unit. Preventing accidents is the
responsibility of every equipment oper-
ator. Accidents can be prevented. Be
careful before, during and immediately
after use of any powered equipment. The
following general safety precautions must
be fully understood and followed during
operation. Review these instructions fre-
quently and never take chances. If you do
not understand any part of this manual or
need assistance, contact your dealer or
our service department.
TRAINING
1. Read, understand, and follow this
Owner’s Manual, the separate engine
owner’s manual, and all other literature
received before you use the unit.
Be thoroughly familiar with the controls
and proper use of the unit. Know how to
stop the unit and disengage controls
quickly in case of emergency.
Read and follow all safety information in
this manual. Failure to comply could result
in serious personal injury or property
damage.
Make sure all operators of the equipment
read, understand, and follow these safety
instructions.
2. Never allow children to operate the unit.
Do not allow adults to operate the unit
without proper instruction. Do not allow
irresponsible adults to operate the unit.
3. Keep the operating area (within 25 feet
of unit) clear of all people (especially chil-
dren) and pets.
PREPARATION
1. Wear proper clothing when operating
unit. Always wear sturdy footwear (prefer-
ably steel-toed shoes) and hearing protec-
tion during operation.
a. Wear heavy leather gloves whenever
working near or servicing any cutting
edges on the unit.
b. Do not wear loose-fitting clothing,
jewelry, scarves, ties, etc., which may
get caught in moving parts. Tie up or
restrain hair.
c. Do not operate the unit while bare-
foot. Do not wear sandals.
d. Wear long trousers.
e. Wear hearing protection.
2. Do not operate the unit when tired, ill
or under the influence of alcohol and/or
other drugs.
3. Be prepared for an emergency. Keep a
first aid kit and fire extinguisher handy.
Keep emergency telephone numbers for
ambulance, fire, hospital, doctor and
rescue near your telephone.
4. When charging the battery on electric-
start units, use only the battery charger
provided with the unit.
5. Do not operate the unit if the cutter bar
assembly is not securely installed and
operating properly.
6. Mow only during daylight or in good
artificial light.
7. Never operate the unit in wet grass.
Always be sure of your footing. Always hold
handlebar grips firmly, and walk––never
run.
25 Ft.
25 Ft.
25 Ft.
25 Ft.
Safety
1
Section
3
SPARK ARRESTER WARNING TO RESIDENTS
OF CALIFORNIA AND SEVERAL OTHER STATES
Under California law, and under the laws of several
other states, you are not permitted to operate an
internal combustion engine using hydrocarbon fuels on
any forest, brush, hay, grain, or grass covered land; or
land covered by any flammable agricultural crop
without an engine spark arrester in continuous effective
working order.
The engine on the unit is an internal combustion engine
which burns gasoline, a hydrocarbon fuel, and must be
equipped with a spark arrester muffler in continuous
effective working order. The spark arrester must be
attached to the engine exhaust system in such a
manner that flames or heat from the system will not
ignite flammable material. Failure of the owner/oper-
ator of the unit to comply with this regulation is a mis-
demeanor under California law (and other states) and
may also be a violation of other state and/or federal
regulations, laws, ordinances or codes. Contact your
local fire marshal or forest service for specific informa-
tion about which regulations apply in your area.
Throttle/Choke Control Lever
Wheel Drive
Levers
Cutter Bar and Guard
Cutter Bar Lever
(on rear of unit)
Operator Presence Controls
Figure 1-1
