IMPORTANT:Thiscuttingmachineiscapableofamputatinghandsandfeet and
throwingobjects. Failureto observe the following safety instructionscould result in
serious injuryor 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 abso-
lutely 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
unattended. Always turn off blades, set
_earkingbrake, stop engine, and remove
ys before dismounting.
•Turn off blades when not mowing.
iStop engine before removing grass
catcher or unclogging chute.
Mow only in daylight or good artificial
light.
Do notoperate the machine while
under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
•Watch fortraffic when operating near or
crossing roadways.
•Use extra care when loading or
unloading the machine into a trailer or
truck,
•Data indicates that operators, age 60
i/aearsand above, are involved in a
rge percentage of riding mower°
related inudes. These operators
should evaluate their ability to operate
the riding mower safely enough to
protect themselves and othersfrom
sarious injury.
•Keep machine free of grass, leaves or
ether debris build-upwhich can touch
hotexhaust /engine parts and bum.
Do notallow the mower deck to plow
leaves or other debris which can cause
build-upto occur, Clean any oil or fuel
spillage before operating or storing the
machine. Allow machine to cool before
storage.
II, SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a majorfactor related to loss-of-
control and tipever accidents, which can
result in severe injury or death. All slopes
require extra caution. Ifyou cannot back up
the slope or if you feel uneasyon 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. Tallgrass can hide ob-
stacles,
•Use slow speed. Choose a low gear
so that you will not have to stop or shift
while on the slope.
•Follow the manufacturer's recommen-
dationsfor wheel weights or counter-
weights to improve stability.
•Use extra care with grass catchers or
other attachments. These can change
the stabilityof the machine.
•Keep all movement on the slopes slow
and gradual Do not make sudden
changes in speed or direction,
•Avoid starting or stoppingon a slope, If
tires lose traction, disengage the
blades and proceed slowly straight
down the slope.
DO NOT:
• Do not turn on slopes unless neces-
sary, and then, turnslowly and gradu-
ally downhill, if possible.
•Do notmow near dropoffs, ditches, or
embankments, The mower could
suddenly turn over if a wheel is over
the edge ofa cliff or ditch, or if an edge
caves in.
•Do notmow on wet grass. Reduced
traction could cause sliding.
•Do not try to stabilize the machine by
puttingyour foot on the ground.
•Do notuse grass catcher on steep
slopes.
