
SAFETY RULES
&SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES FOR RIDE-ON MOWERS &
IMPORTANT: THiS CUTTING MACHINEIS CAPABLEOF AMPUTATINGHANDS AND FEET AND THROWINGOBJECTS FAILURE
TO OBSERVETHE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONSCOULD RESULTiN SERIOUS INJURYOR DEATH.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow atl instructions in the
manual and on the machine before starting.
• Only allow responsibIe aduIts, who are familiar with the
instructions, to operate the machine.
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc.,
which couId be picked up and thrown by the blade.
• Be sure the area is clear of other peopIe before mow-
ing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
• Never carry passengers.
• Do not mow in reverse unless absoIuteiy necessary.
Always Iook down and behind before and while back-
ing.
• 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 parking brake, stop engine, and
remove keys before dismounting.
• Turn off blades when not mowing.
• Stop engine before removing grass catcher or un-
clogging chute.
• Mow only in daylight or good artificial Iight.
• Do not operate the machine while under the influence
of aIcohoI or drugs.
• Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing road-
ways.
• Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine
into a trailer or truck.
• Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above,
are invoIved in a Iarge percentage of riding mower-re-
lated injuries. These operators shouId evaIuate their
ability to operate the riding mower safely enough to
protect themseIves and others from serious injury.
• Keep machine free of grass, Ieaves or other debris
build-up which can touch hot exhaust /engine parts
and burn. Do not allow the mower deck to plow leaves
or other debris which can cause build-up to occur.
Clean any oiI or fueI spillage before operating or
storing the machine. Allow machine to cooI before
storage.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tipover
accidents which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes
require extra caution. If you cannot back 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.
• Watch for hoIes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain couId
overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
• Use slow speed. Choose a tow gear so that you will
not have to stop or shift while on the slope.
• FoItow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel
weights or counterweights to improve stability.
• Use extra care with grass catchers °r °ther attachments"
These can change the stability of the machine.
• Keep all movement on the sIopes slow and gradual
Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction.
• Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. Iftires lose trac-
tion, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight
down the slope.
DO NOT:
•Do not turn on stopes untess necessary, and then,
turn slowly and gradualIy downhill, if possible.
•Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.
The mower could suddenly turn over if a wheeI is over
the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.
•Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction couId
cause sliding.
•Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot
on the ground.
•Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.
III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not atert to
the presence of children. Children are often attracted to
the machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that
chitdren wilI remain where you last saw them.
• Keep children out of the mowing area and under the
watchfuI care of another responsible adult.
• Be aIert and turn machine off if chiIdren enter the
area.
• Before and when backing, look behind and down for
smatI children.
• Never carry children. They may fail off and be seriously
injured or interfere with safe machine operation.
• Never allow children to operate the machine.
• Use extra care when approaching blind comers, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
IV. SERVICE
• Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels.
They are flammable and vapors are expIosive.
- Use only an approved container.
- Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do
not smoke.
- Never refuel the machine indoors.
- Never store the machine or fueI container inside where
there is an open flame, such as a water heater.
• Never run a machine inside a closed area.
• Keep nuts and boIts, especiaIty blade attachment bolts,
tight and keep equipment in good condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris
build-up. Clean oil or fuel spiItage. Allow machine to
cool before storing.
• Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object.
Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
• Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine
running.
• Grass catcher components are subject to wear, dam-
age, and deterioration, which couId expose moving
parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check
components and repIace with manufacturer's recom-
mended parts, when necessary.
• Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s)
or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing
them.
• Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service
as required.
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