MPORTANT: This cuttingmachine is capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwing objects. Failure to observe the tallowing sarsty instructionscould resultin
safious injury or death.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
•Read, understand, and follow all
instructionsin the manual and on the
machine before starting.
•Only allow responsible adults, who are
familiarwith the instructions,to operate
the machine.
•Clear the area of objects such as rocks,
toys, wire, etc., which could be picked
up and thrown by the blade.
•Be sure the area is clear of other people
before mowing. Stop machine if anyone
enters the area.
•Never carry passengers.
•Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely
necessary. Always look 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
place.
•Slow down before turning.
•Never leave a running machine unat-
tended. Alwaysturn 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.
•Mow only in daylight or good artificial
light.
•Do not operate the machine while under
the influence of alcohol or drugs.
•Watch fortraffic when operating near or
crossing roadways.
•Use extra care when loading or unload-
ing the machine intoatrailer or truck.
•Data indicatesthat operators, age 60
years and above, are involved in a large
percentage of riding mower-related
injuries. These operators should evaluate
their abilityto operate the ridingmower
safely enough to protectthemselves and
othersfrom serious injury.
•Keep machine free of grass, leaves or
other debris build-upwhich can touch
hot exhaust /engine partsand bum. Do
notallow the mower deck to plow leaves
or other debris which can cause build-up
to occur.Clean any oil orfuel
spillagebefore operating or storingthe
machine. Allow machine to coolbefore
storage. 3
I1oSLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are amajorfactor related to loss-of-
control and tipover accidents, which can
rasult in severe in ury or death. All slopes
requireextra caution, f you cannot backup
the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not
mow it.
DO:
•Mow up and down slopes, not across.
•Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree
limbs, etc.
•Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps.
Uneven terrain could overturn the
machine. Tall grass can hide ob-
stacles.
•Use slow speed. Choose alow gear
so that you willnot have to stop or shift
while on the slope.
•Follow the manufacturer's recommen-
dations for wheel weights or counter-
weights to improve stability.
•Use extra care with grass catchers or
other attachments. These can change
the stability of the machine.
•Keep all movement on the slopes slow
and gradual. Do not make sudden
changes in speed or direction.
•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 tum on slopes unless neces-
sary, and then, rum slowlyand gradu-
ally downhill, if possible.
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or
embankments. The mower could
suddenly turn over if awheel is over
the edge of a cliff or ditch,or if an edge
caves in.
•Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced
traction could cause sliding.
•Do not try to stabilize the machine by
putting your foot on the ground.
• DOnot use grass catcher on steep
slopes.
