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, GENERALOPERATION
•Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the
manual and on the machine before starting.
• Only allowresponsible adults, who are familiar withthe
instructions,to operate the machine.
•Clear thearea ofobjectssuch as recks, toys, wire,etc.,
whichcould be picked up and thrown by the blade.
•Besure thearea isclear ofother people before mowing.
Stop machine ifanyone 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 roower without
either the entire grass catcher or the guard in place.
• Slow down before tuming.
• Never leave a running machine unattended. Alwaysturn
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 unclog-
ging chute.
• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
• Do not operate the machine while under the influence of
alcohol 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 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.
I1. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopesare a majorfactor relatedto loss-of-controland tipover
accidents,whichcan resultinsevere injuryor death. Allslopes
requireextracaution.Ifyoucannotbackuptheslopeorifyoufeel
uneasyon it,do notmowit.
DO:
•MOWup and down slopes, not across.
•Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
•Watch for holes, ruts,or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overturnthe machine. Ta/I grass can hide obstacles.
•Use slowspeed. Choose a low gear so that you willnot
have tostop or shift while on the slope.
•Followthe manufacturer's recommendations for wheel
weights orcounterweights to improve stability.
•Use extra care with grass catchers or other attach-
ments. These can change the stability of the machine.
Keepallmovementonthe slopesslowand gradual. Donot
makesuddenchangesin speed or direction.
Avoidstartingor stoppingon a slope. If tires losetraction,
disengagethebladesand proceedslowlystraightdownthe
slope.
DO NOT:
•Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn
slowly and gradually downhill, ifpossible,
•Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.
The mower couldsuddenly turnover ifawheeiis overthe
edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.
•Donotmowonwetgrass. Reduced tractioncouldcause
sliding.
•Donottrytostabilizethemachinebyputtingyourfoot
onthe ground.
•Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.
Ul. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur ifthe operator isnot alert tothe
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
watchful care ofanother responsible adult,
•Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.
•Before and when backing, look behind and down for
small chUdren.
•Never carry children. They may fall offand be sedously
injured or interfere with safe machine operation.
•Never allow children to operate the machine.
•Use extra care when approaching blindcomers, 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. AIIowenginetocoolbeforerefueling. Donot
smoke.
-Never refuel the machine indoors.
-Never storethe machine orfuelcontainer insidewhere
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 preper
operation regularly.
•Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris
build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine tocool
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 subjectto wear, dam-
age, and deterioration,whichcould exposemovingparts
orallowobjectstobethrown. Frequently checkcompo-
nents and replace with manufacturer's recommended
parts, when necessary.
•Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap theblade(s)
or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing
them.
•Check brake operation frequently. Adjustand service
as required.
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