SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers ,,,%
IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS
,_" :-/_"FQ OBSERVE THE FOLLOWII_-ETY INSTRUCT4ONS_=COULD4RESU_:T_|N SERIOUS INJUF_W-,OR_D,E_AZ.._
LGENERAL OPERATION
Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual
and on the machine before starting.
Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the in-
structions, to operate the machine.
Cle_.r 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 absolutely 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 w_thout 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, .:nd remove
keys before dismounting.
Turn off blades when not mowing.
Stop .engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging
chute.
Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
De 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.
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 holes, ruts, or bumps. 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 stop or shift while on the slope•
Fellow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel
weights or counterweights 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 slowand gradual De not
make sudden changes in speed or direction.
Avoid starting or stopping on aslope. If tires lose traction,
disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the
slope.
DO NOT:
Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn
slowly and-gradually downhill, _fpossible.
Do'notmow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The
mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is 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.
Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on
the ground.
Do not use grass catcher' on steep slopes.
Ill. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to
the 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 watch-
ful care of another responsible adult.
Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.
Before and when backing, look behind and down for small
children.
Never carry children. They may fail off and be seriously
injured or interfere with safe machine operation.
Never aUowchildren to operate the machine.
Use extra care when approaching blind corners, 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 explosive,
Use only an approved container.
Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine run-
ning. Allow engine to cool before refueling, Do not
smoke•
Never refuel the machine indoors,
Never stere the machine or fuel container inside where
there is an open flame, such as a water heater.
Never run a machine inside aclosed area.
• Keep nuts end bolts, especially blade attachment bolts,
tight and keep equipment in good condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper op-
eration regularly.
.• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-
up. Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool before
storing.
Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an abject.
Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
• Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine run-
ning.
Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage,
and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or
allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check components
and replace with manufacturer's recommended 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.
&Look for this symbol to point out im-
portant safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!t! BECOME ALERT!!!
YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
&CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug
wire and place wire where it cannot con-
tact spark plug In order to prevent acci-
dental starting when setting up, transport-
ing, adjusting or making repairs.
WARNING
The engineexhaust from this product con-
tains chemmals known to the State of Cali-
fornia to cause cancer, birth defects, or other
reproductive harm.
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