SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH_
1. GENERAL OPERATION
o Read, understand, and fo_low al_inst_cfions in the manuaI
and on the machine before starting.
o Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the
instructions, to operate the machine.
o Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etco,
which could be picked up and thrown by the blade.
o Be sure the area isctear of other people before mowing. Stop
machine if anyone enters the area.
o Never carry passengers.
o Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always
took down and behind before and while backing.
Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point
it at anyone_ Do not operate the mower without either the
entire grass catcher or the guard in ptace.
_Slow down before turning.
Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off
blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys
before dismounting.
,_ Turn off blades when not mowing.
Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging
chute.
o Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
Do not operate the machine while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
o Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways.
Use extra care when loading or unioading the machine into
a traiier or truck.
_L SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a maior factor related to loss-of-control and
tipover accidents, which can result in severe injury or
death. AII slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back
up the siope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.
DO:
o Mow up and down slopes, not across.
,_ Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
_ Watch for ho_es, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overturn the machine. Taft grass can hide obstacles.
o Use slow speed. Choose a tow gear so that you will not have
to stop or shift while on the slope.
o Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel
weights or counterweights to improve stability.
Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments.
These can change the stability of the machine.
Keep at! movement on the slopes slowand gradual Do not
make sudden changes in speed or direction.
o Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction,
disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the
slope.
DO NOT:
Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly
and gradually downhill, if possible.
,_ Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The
mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge
o_a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.
oDo not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause
sliding.
oDo not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the
ground.
oDo not use grass catcher on steep slopes.
2
ill= CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur ifthe operator is not alert to the
presence of chHdren. Children are often attracted to the
machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that
children wil! remain where you tast saw them.
o Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful
care of another responsible adu!t.
o Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.
o Before and when backing, look behind and down for small
children.
o Never carry children. They may fail off and be seriously
injured or interfere with safe machine operation.
Never allow children to operate the machine_
o Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other ob}ects that may obscure vision.
!Vo SERVICE
Use extra care in handting gasoline and other fuets= They are
flammable and vapors are explosive.
Use onIy an approved container.
Never remove gas cap or add fuei with the engine
running. Allow engine to cooi before refueling. Do not
smoke.
Never refuel the machine indoors.
Never store the machine or fuel container inside where
there is an open flame, such as a water heater.
Never run a machine nside a ciosed area.
Keep nuts and bolts, especiaily blade attachment bolts, tight
and keep equipment in good condition.
Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.
Keep machine free of grass; leaves, or other debris build-up.
Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool before
storing.
Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object.
Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running.
Grass catcher components are subject to wear. damage, and
deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow
objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and
replace with manufacturer's recommended parts, when nec-
essary.
Mower b{ades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the biade(s) or
wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.
Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as
required.
Look for this symbol to point out important
safety precautions, It means
CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY !S INVOLVED.
CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug
wire and place wire where it cannot contact
spark plug in order to prevent accidental
starting when setting up, transporting,
adjusting or making repairs.
A WARNING
The engine exhaust from this product contains
chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproduc-
tive harm.
