SAFETY RULES
_lk '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 allowresponsibleadults, who are familiar withthe
instructions,to operate the machine.
•Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire,
etc., whichcouldbepickedupand thrown bythe blade.
• Be suretheareais clear ofotherpeople before mowing.
Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
•Never carry passengers.
•Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
Alwayslockdownand behindbeforeand while backing.
•Be aware ofthemower discharge direction and do not
point itat anyone. Do not operate the mower without
either the entire grass catcher or the guard in place.
•Slow downbeforeturning.
•Never leave a running machine unattended. Always
turn off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and
remove keys before dismounting.
•Turn off bladeswhen not mowing.
•Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclog-
ging chute.
•Mow onlyin 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
roadways.
•Use extracare when loading or unloading the machine
into a trailer or truck.
•Data indicates thatoperators, age 60 years and above,
are involved in a large percentage of dding mower-
related injuries.These operatorsshould evaluate their
ability to operate the riding mower safely enough to
protect themselves and others from serious injury.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are amajor factor related to loss-of-control and
tipoveraccidents, whichcan resultinsevere injury ordeath.,
Allslopes require extracaution. Ifyou oannot 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 slowspeed. Choose a low gear sothat you wiUnot
have to stop or shift while on the slope.
•Followthemanufacturer's recommendations forwheel
weights orcounterweights to improve stability.
•Use extra care with grass catchers or other attach-
ments. These canchange the stability of the machine.
•Keepallmovementontheslopesslowandgradua/. Do
not make sudden changes in speed or direction.
•Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose
traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly
straight downthe slope.
DO NOT:
•Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn
slowlyand gradually downhill, if possible.
•Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.
The mower couldsuddenlyturnover ifawheel isoverthe
edge of acliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in,
•Donotmowonwetgrass.Reducedtractioncouldcause
sliding.
•Do not tryto stabilize the machine by puttingyourfoot
onthe ground.
•Donotusegrasscatcheronsteepslopes.
III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator isnot 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
watchful 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 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 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 explosive.
Use onlyan 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 isanopen flame, suchas awater heater.
• Never run amachine inside a closed area.
•Keep nutsand bolts, especially blade attachment bolts,
tightand keep equipment in good condition.
•Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operationregularly.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debds
build-up. Clean oilorfuel spillage, Allowmachinetocool
before storing.
•Stop and inspect the equipment ifyou stdke an object.
Repair, ifnecessary, before restarting.
•Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine
running.
•Grass catcher components are subject to wear, dam-
age, and deterioration, whichcould exposemovingparts
orallow objectsto bethrown. Frequently check compo-
nents 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.
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