
3
SAFETY
ACCIDENT PATTERNS TO AVOID
I. CONTACT WITH THE ROTATING BLADE -- This
accident usually happens when the operator is clearing
the discharge chute of grass, (especially when the
grass is wet), or when the operator adjusts the
machine without turning it off and waiting for the blades
to completely stop.
II. PROPELLED OBJECTS -- Sticks, rocks, wires, and
other objects can be propelled out through the
discharge chute or from under the mower housing.
Bystanders are particularly vulnerable.
III. GRASS CATCHER OR GUARD -- The mower shall
not be operated without either the entire grass catcher
or guard in place.
IV. OVERTURNING -- This happens when riding mowers
are used on steep slopes, embankments or hills. The
operator in these cases can come in contact with the
blades or sustain injuries during a fall.
V. MOWER RUNNING OVER THE VICTIM -- This
usually happens when a riding mower is driven in
reverse. The accident victims are most often young
children whom, unseen by the operator of the mower,
were in the area being mowed.
AT COUNTRY CLIPPER, WE SHARE YOUR DESIRE TO
PROTECT YOURSELF, YOUR FAMILY, YOUR FRIENDS
AND YOUR NEIGHBORS FROM ACCIDENTAL INJURY.
OBSERVING AND ENFORCING THE FOLLOWING
GUIDELINES WILL HELP TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF
EVERYONE.
PLEASE BE CAREFUL!
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. PEOPLE WHO OPERATE, SERVICE, OR ARE
OTHERWISE ASSOCIATED with the Country Clipper
Zero Turn Radius Mower should be trained in its
proper use and warned of its dangers. Before
operating, adjusting, or servicing the Country Clipper
Zero Turn Radius Mower they should read and
understand this entire manual and the engine owner’s
manual.
2. AVOID CONTACT WITH MOVING PARTS. Keep
hands and feet from under mower deck and away from
blades at all times. Turn engine (motor) off if you must
unclog the chute.
3. AVOID HILLS AND SLOPES. Use extreme caution
when mowing up or down slopes. NEVER mow across
the face of a slope. If a slope must be ascended, back
up the slope; drive forward when descending. Reduce
speed and use caution to start, stop and maneuver.
To prevent loss of control on a slope avoid sharp turns,
sudden changes in direction, and sudden stops and
starts.
4. DISENGAGE POWER TO MOWER BEFORE
BACKING UP. Do not mow in reverse unless
ABSOLUTELY necessary and then only after turning
around and observing the entire area behind the
mower. Go slowly. Most “running over victim”
accidents occur in reverse.
5. BEGINNING OPERATORS SHOULD LEARN HOW
TO STEER the Country Clipper Zero Turn Radius
Mower before attempting to mow. Start with slow
engine speed and drive without the blades engaged in
an open area until comfortable with the machine.
6. KNOW HOW TO STOP QUICKLY. Know the location
and operation of every control, especially how to brake
and how to disengage the mower blades.
7. DO NOT MOVE THE JOYSTICK OR TWINSTICK
CONTROL LEVER(S) from forward position to reverse
position or reverse position to forward position rapidly.
The speed and/or direction of travel is affected
instantly by movement of the Control Lever(s).
8. DO NOT ALLOW CHILDREN TO OPERATE
MOWER. Do not allow others who have not had
instruction to operate mower.
9. ALWAYS TURN ENGINE OFF AND REMOVE KEY
before leaving the mower to prevent children and
inexperienced operators from starting the engine.
Never leave the mower unattended with engine
running. Always wait for all moving parts and all
sounds to stop before leaving operator’s seat.
10. WEAR STURDY, ROUGH-SOLED WORK SHOES
AND CLOSE-FITTING SLACKS AND SHIRTS. Never
operate mower in bare feet, sandals or sneakers.
11. KNOW THE AREA YOU ARE TO MOW. Watch for
hidden danger such as rocks, roots, sticks, holes,
bumps, and drop-offs, etc. Before mowing, pick up all
debris in area to be mowed. Sharp and hard objects
can be propelled at a high speed and can act like
shrapnel. Walk through tall grass BEFORE MOWING
to make sure there are no hidden dangers. Mow
higher than desired in tall grass to expose any hidden
objects and/or obstacles, clean the area, and then
mow to the desired height.
12. NEVER REFUEL A MOWER INDOORS. Allow the
engine time to cool before refueling. Unseen vapors
may be ignited by a spark. Always clean up spilled
gasoline. Never run the engine indoors in a garage or
any other closed building. Allow engine to cool before
storing in any enclosure. The engine exhaust and
gasoline fumes are dangerous.
13. DISENGAGE BLADES BEFORE DRIVING ACROSS
WALKS or exposed objects.
14. NEVER REMOVE THE FUEL CAP or add gasoline to
a running or hot engine that has not been allowed to
cool for several minutes after running. Always make
sure the gas cap is in place.
15. NEVER CARRY PASSENGERS.
16. DO NOT SMOKE AROUND THE MOWER or the
gasoline storage container. Gasoline fumes can easily
ignite.
17. KEEP GASOLINE IN A WELL-VENTILATED AREA
away from your living quarters and in tightly-capped
safety cans. Never store mower with gasoline in the
Country Clipper Safety Instructions and Operation