Safety Instructions
13
OPERATING
1.
Operate the mower only in daylight
or in
good artificial light with good visibility of the area
being mowed.
2. Sit on the seat when starting the engine and
operating the machine. Keep feet on the deck
footrests at all times when the tractor is moving
and/or mower blades are operating.
Never op-
erate the tractor without a deck or imple-
ment installed.
3. For a beginning operator,
learn to steer (ma-
neuver) the tractor with a slow engine speed
before attempting any mowing oper ation.
Be aware that, with the front mounted mower
configuration, the back of the tractor swings to
the outside during turns.
DANGER
Do not mow around overhanging tree
branches or bushes at the same height as
the operator’s torso and head where inad-
vertent contact may cause injury.
4. Remember, for an emergency stop, the forward
motion of the tractor can always be stopped by
pulling the Forward Speed Control (FSC) into
the
NEUTRAL-PARK
position.
5. In case the transmission drive belt breaks dur-
ing operation, and if the machine is on a slope,
the machine will freewheel down the slope.
To
maintain control,
immediately (1) Release the
steering levers and simultaneously (2) Move
the FSC to the
NEUTRAL-PARK
position.
When the machine is stopped or moving slowly,
engage the parking brake.
NOTE:
This is exactly the same procedure
used to normally stop and park the machine.
6. Disengage the blade clutch and put the FSC in
the
NEUTRAL-PARK
position before starting
the engine (an ignition interlock switch normally
prevents starting of the machine if these con-
trols are in the
OPERATING
position).
7.
Do not run the engine in a confined area
without adequate ventilation.
Exhaust fumes
are hazardous and can be deadly.
8.
Do not carry passengers
- maximum seating
capacity is one (1) person.
9. Watch for holes, rocks, and roots in the terrain
and for other hidden hazards. When mowing
tall grass, mow higher than desired to expose
any hidden obstacles. Then, clean the area and
mow to the desired height.
10.
Avoid sudden starts or stops.
Before back-
ing the machine up, look to the rear to be sure
no one is behind the machine. Watch carefully
for traffic when crossing or working near road-
ways.
11. Disengage the blade drive when transporting
the machine across drives, sidewalks, etc.
Nev-
er raise the mower deck while blades are
rotating.
DANGER
Do not mow or dump grass within 5 feet
(1.5 meters) of an embankment or retaining
wall with drop off.
12.
The maximum recommended side slope op-
erating angle is 20 degrees or 33% grade.
When operating the machine on a slope, re-
duce speed and use caution to start, stop, and
maneuver. To prevent tipping or loss of control
of the machine, avoid sharp turns or sudden
changes in direction.
