
2
WARNING
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and cer-
tain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals
knowntotheStateofCaliforniatocausecancerand
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
WARNING
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories
containleadandleadcompounds,chemicalsknown
to the State of California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands
after handling.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all instructions on
the machine and in the manual before starting.
• Donotput hands or feetnearrotatingpartsorunder
the machine. Keep clear of the discharge opening
at all times.
• Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar
with 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
blades.
• Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before op-
erating. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
• Never carry passengers.
• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely neces-
sary. Always look down and behind before and
while backing.
• Never direct discharged material toward anyone.
Avoid discharging material against a wall or ob-
struction. Material may ricochet back toward the
operator. Stop the blades when crossing gravel
surfaces.
• Do not operate machine without the entire grass
catcher, discharge guard, or other safety devices
in place and working.
SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
DANGER: 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.
WARNING: In order to prevent ac-
cidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making
repairs, always disconnect spark plug
wire and place wire where it cannot
contact spark plug.
WARNING: Do not coast down a hill
in neutral, you may lose control of
the tractor.
WARNING: Tow only the attachments
that are recommended by and comply
withspecificationsofthemanufacturer
of your tractor. Use common sense
when towing. Operate only at the low-
est possible speed when on a slope.
Too heavy of a load, while on a slope,
is dangerous. Tires can lose traction
with the ground and cause you to lose
control of your tractor.
• Slow down before turning.
• Neverleavea running machineunattended. Always
turn off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and
remove keys before dismounting.
• Disengagebladeswhennotmowing.Shutoffengine
and wait for all parts to come to a complete stop
before cleaning the machine, removing the grass
catcher, or unclogging the discharge guard.
• Operate machine only in daylight or good artificial
light.
• Do not operate the machine while under the influ-
ence of alcohol or drugs.
• Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing
roadways.
• Use extra care when loading or unloading the ma-
chine into a trailer or truck.
• Always wear eye protection when operating ma-
chine.
• Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and
above, are involved in a large percentage of riding
mower-related injuries. These operators should
evaluate their ability to operate the riding mower
safely enough to protect themselves and others
from serious injury.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for
wheel weights or counterweights.
• Keep machine free of grass , leaves or other debris
build-upwhichcan touch hotexhaust/engineparts
andburn.Donotallowthemowerdecktoplowleaves
or other debris which can cause build-up to occur.
Clean any oil or fuel spillage before operating or
storing the machine. Allow machine to cool before
storage.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and
tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or
death. Operation on all slopes requires extra caution.
If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy
on it, do not mow it.
• Mow up and down slopes, not across.
• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hid-
den objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the
machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
• Choose a low ground speed so that you will not
have to stop or shift while on the slope.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Tires may lose trac-
tion.
Always keep the machine in gear when going
down slopes. Do not shift to neutral and coast
downhill.
• Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If
the tires lose traction, disengage the blades and
proceed slowly straight down the slope.
• Keepall movement on the slopesslowandgradual.
Donotmakesuddenchangesinspeedordirection,
which could cause the machine to roll over.
• Use extra care while operating machine with grass
catchers or other attachments; they can affect
the stability of the machine. Do no use on steep
slopes.
• Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your
foot on the ground.
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embank-
ments. The machine could suddenly roll over if a
wheel is over the edge or if the edge caves in.