IMPORTANT:ThiscuttingmachineIscapableofamputaUnghandsandfeetand
throwing objects. Failure to observe the followingsafety instructionscould result in
sedous injuryor death.
I.GENERAL OPERATION
•Read, understand, and follow all
lestruetions in the manual and on the
machine before starting.
•Only/.allow responsible adults, who are
famdiarwith 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
ifanyone 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
directionand 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
parking brake, stop engine, and
remove keys before dismounting.
•Turn off blades when not mowing.
Stop engine before removing grass
icatcher or unclog_ng chute.
Mow onlyin daylight or good artificial
light.
•Do not operate the machine while
under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
•Watch for traffic 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
years and above, are involved in a
large percentage of dding mower-
related inudee. These operators
shou d eva uate the r abilty to operate
the dding mower safely enough to
protect themselves and othersfrom
sedous injury.
•Keep machine free of grass, leaves or
other debds build-up which can touch
hotexhaust /engine partsand bum.
Do not allow the mower deck to plow
leaves or other debds which can cause
build-upto occur. Clean any oil or fuel
spillage before operating or stodng the
machine. Allow machine to cool before
storage.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-
of-control and tipover accidents, which
can result in severe injuryor death. All
slopes require extra caution. Ifyou
cannot back upthe slope or ifyou feel
uneasy on it, do notmow it.
DO:
•Mow up and down slopes, not across.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree
limbs, etc.
Watch for holes, ruts, orbumps.
Uneven terrain could overturn the
machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
Use slow speed. Choose a low gear
so that you will not have to stopor 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 stability ofthe machine.
Keep all movement on the slopes slow
and gradual. Do notmake 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, turn slowly and gradu-
ally 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 ofa cliffor ditch, or if an edge
caves in,
•Do notmow on wet grass. Reduced
traction could cause sUding.
•Do not try to stabilize the machine by
putting your foot on the ground.
•Do not use grass catcher on steep
slopes.
3
