
2
I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the
manualandonthemachinebeforestarting.
• Onlyallowresponsibleadults,whoarefamiliarwiththe
instructions, to operate the machine.
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire,
etc., whichcouldbepickedupandthrownbytheblade.
• Besuretheareaisclearofotherpeoplebeforemowing.
Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
• Nevercarrypassengers.
• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
Alwayslookdownandbehindbeforeand whileback-
ing.
• Beawareofthemowerdischargedirectionanddonot
point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without
either the entire grass catcher or the guard in place.
• Slowdownbeforeturning.
• Never leave a running machine unattended. Always
turn off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and
removekeysbeforedismounting.
• Turnoffbladeswhennotmowing.
• Stopenginebeforeremovinggrasscatcherorunclog-
gingchute.
• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
• Donotoperatethemachinewhileundertheinfluence
of alcohol or drugs.
• Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing
roadways.
• Useextracarewhenloadingorunloadingthemachine
into a trailer or truck.
• Dataindicatesthatoperators,age60yearsandabove,
are involved in a large percentage of riding mower-
relatedinjuries. Theseoperatorsshouldevaluatetheir
ability to operate the riding mower safely enough to
protect themselves and others from serious injury.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and
tipover accidents, which can result in severe injury or
death. Allslopesrequireextracaution. Ifyoucannotback
up 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.
• Watchforholes,ruts,orbumps. Uneventerraincould
overturnthe machine.
Tallgrass can hideobstacles.
• Useslowspeed. Choosealowgearsothatyouwillnot
have to stop or shift while on the slope.
• Followthemanufacturer’srecommendationsforwheel
weights or counterweights to improve stability.
• Use extra care with grass catchers or other attach-
ments. Thesecanchangethestabilityofthemachine.
• Keepallmovementontheslopes
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.
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.
SAFETY RULES
DONOT:
•
Donot
turnonslopesunlessnecessary,andthen,turn
slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
•
Donot
mowneardrop-offs,ditches,orembankments.
Themower couldsuddenlyturnover ifawheelis 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.
•
Donot
trytostabilizethemachinebyputtingyourfoot
ontheground.
•
Do not
use grass catcher on steep slopes.
III. CHILDREN
Tragicaccidentscanoccuriftheoperatorisnotalerttothe
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the
machine and the mowing activity.
Never
assume that
children will remain where you last saw them.
• Keep children out of the mowing area and under the
watchfulcare ofanotherresponsibleadult.
• Bealertandturnmachineoffifchildrenenterthearea.
• Before and when backing, look behind and
down
for
smallchildren.
• Nevercarrychildren. Theymayfalloffandbeseriously
injuredorinterferewithsafemachineoperation.
• Neverallow childrentooperate themachine.
• Useextracarewhenapproachingblindcorners,shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
IV. SERVICE
• Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels.
Theyare flammable andvapors are explosive.
- Useonlyanapprovedcontainer.
- Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allowenginetocoolbeforerefueling. Donot
smoke.
- Neverrefuelthemachineindoors.
- Never store the machine or fuel container inside
wherethereisanopenflame,suchasawaterheater.
• Never run a machine inside a closed area.
• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment
bolts, tight and keep equipment in good condition.
• Nevertamperwithsafetydevices. Checktheirproper
operationregularly.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris
build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to
coolbeforestoring.
• Stopandinspecttheequipmentifyoustrikeanobject.
Repair,ifnecessary,beforerestarting.
• Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine
running.
• Grass catcher components are subject to wear, dam-
age, and deterioration, which could expose moving
parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check
components and replace with manufacturer's recom-
mendedparts,whennecessary.
• Mowerbladesaresharpandcancut. Wraptheblade(s)
or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing
them.
• Checkbrakeoperationfrequently. Adjustandservice
asrequired.