SAFETY RULES
'_ 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.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read,understand,andfollow allinstructionsinthemanual
and on the machinebeforestarting.
•Only allow responsibleadults, who are familiar with the
instructions,to operate the machine.
• Clear the area ofobjectssuch as rocks,toys,wire, etc.,
whichcould be pickedupand thrownbythe blade.
•Besure thearea isclear ofother people beforemowing.
Stop machine ifanyone enters the area.
•Never carrypassengers.
•Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
Always lookdownand behindbeforeand whilebacking.
•Beawareofthemowerdischargedirectionanddonotpoint
itat anyone. Donotoperatethemowerwithouteitherthe
entire grass catcheror the guard inplace.
•Slow downbeforeturning.
•Never leavea runningmachineunattended. Alwaysturn
off blades, set parkingbrake, stop engine, and remove
keys beforedismounting.
•Turn offbladeswhen notmowing.
• Stopenginebeforeremovinggrasscatcherorunclogging
chute.
•Mow onlyin daylightor good artificiallight.
•Do notoperate the machinewhileunder the influenceof
alcoholordrugs.
•Watch for traffic when operating near or crossingroad-
ways.
• Useextracarewhen loading orunloading the machine into
a trailer or truck.
• 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 them-
selves and others from serious injury.
• Keep machine free ofgrass, leaves 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 oil or fuel spillage before operating or storing the
machine. Allow machine to cool before
storage.
I1.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
requireextra caution. Ifyoucannot backup theslopeor ifyoufeel
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.
• Follow 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 of the machine.
• Keep all movement on the slopes slowand gradual Do
not make sudden changes in speed or direction.
2
• Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. Iftires 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, if possible.
•Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.
The mower could suddenly turn over ifawheel is overthe
edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.
•Do notmow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause
sliding.
•Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on
theground.
•Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.
III. 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. Neverassumethat children
will remain where you last saw them.
• Keep children out of the mowing area and under the
watchful care of another responsible adult.
• Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.
• Before and when backing, look behind and downforsmall
children.
• Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously
injured or interfere with safe machine operation.
• Never allow children 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
running. Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do not
smoke.
- Never refuel the machine indoors.
- Never store the machine or fuel container inside where
there is an open flame, such as a water heater.
• Never run a machine inside a closed area.
• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts,
tight and keep equipment in good condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.
• Keep machine free ofgrass, leaves, orother debris build-
up. Clean oilor fuel spillage. Allow machineto cool before
storing.
• Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object.
Repair, ifnecessary, before restarting.
• Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine
running.
• Grass catcher components are subject towear, damage,
and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or
allow objects to bethrown. Frequently check components
and replace with manufacturer's recommended parts,
when necessary.
• Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrapthe blade(s)
or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing
them.
• Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service
as required.
