IMPORTANT: This cutting mach ne is capable,of amputating han.ds and tae_t_d.
throwingobjects. Failure to observe the following safety mstrusnons coU,u resu m
serious injury or death.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand,and follow all
instructionsin the manual and on the
machine before starting.
• Only allow responsibleadults,who are
familiarwiththe instructions,tooperate
the machine.
• Clear the area of objects suchas rocks,
toys,wire, etc., whichcould be picked
upand thrownby the blade.
•Be surethe area is dear of other people
beforemowing. Stop machine if anyone
entersthe 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 mowerdisuharge
directionand do not pointit at anyone.
Do notoperate the mower withouteither
the entire grass catcheror the guard in
place.
• Slow down before turning.
•Never leave a runningmachine
unattended. Always bJmoffblades, set
perking brake, stop engine, and remove
keys before dismounting.
•Turn off blades whan not mowing.
•Stop engine before removinggrass
catcher or uncloggingchute.
•Mow only in daylightor good artificial
light.
•Do not operate the machine while under
the influenceof alcohol or drugs.
•Watch fortrafficwhen operating near or
crossing roadways.
•Use extra care when loading or unload-
ingthe machine intoa trailer ortruck.
• Data indicatesthat operators,age 60
years and above, are involvedin a large
percentage of riding mower-related
injuries. These operatorsshoa_d
evaluate their abilityto operate the riding
mower safelyenough to protectthem-
selvesand othersfrom sedouainiury.
•Keepmachine free ofgrass, leaves or
other debris build-upwhich can touch
hot exhaust / engine partsend bum. Do
notallow the mower deck to plow leaves
or other debris which can cause build-
upto occur. Clean any oil or fuel
spillagebefore operating or stor_g the
machine. Allow machine to coolbefore
storage.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related toloss-of-
control and tipoveraccidents, whichcan re-
suit in severe injury or death. All slopes
require extra caution, ff you cannolback Up
the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not
mow it.
DO:
•Mow up and down slopes,not across.
•Remove obstaclessuchas rocks, tree
limbs,etc.
•Watch forholes, ruts,or bumps. Uneven
terrain could overturn the machine. Tall
grass can hideobstacles.
• Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so
that you willnot have to stopor shift
while on the slope.
,, Follow the manufacturer's recommenda-
tionsfor wheel weights or counter-
weights to improve stability.
•Use extra care with grass catchersor
other attachments. These can change
the stabilityofthe machine.
•Keep all movement on the slopes slow
and gradual. Do notmake sudden
changes in speed or direction,
•Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If
tires lose trection, disengage the blades
and proceed slowlystraight down the
slope.
DO NOT:
•Do not turn on slopes unless necessary,
and then, tam slowlyand gradually
downhill,ff possible.
•Do net mow near dmp-offs, ditches,or
embankments. The mower could
suddenly tam over if awheel isover the
edge of astiff or ditch, or ifan edge
caves in.
•Do notmow onwet graSS. Reduced
trac_on could cause sliding.
•Do not try to stabilizethe machine by
puttingyour foot on the ground.
•Do notuse grass catcher on steep
slopes.
3
