SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers &
IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE ISCAPABLE 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, and follow all instructions in the
manual and on the machine before starting.
•Only allowresponsible adults, who are familiarwiththe
instructions, to operate the machine.
•Clear the area of objects such as rocks,toys, wire,
etc., whichcouldbe picked up and thrownbytheblade.
•Be suretheareais clear ofotherpeople beforernowing.
Stop machine ifanyone enters the area.
•Never cerry passengers.
•Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
Alwayslookdownand behind beforeandwhilebacking.
•Be aware ofthe mower discharge dirsctionand do not
point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without
either the entire grass catcher or the guard in place.
•Slow downbefore turning.
•Never leave a running machine unattended. Always
turn off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and
remove keys before dismounting.
•Turn offblades when not mowing.
•Stop engine before removinggrasscatcherorunclog-
ging chute.
•Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
•Do not operate the machine while under the influence
ofalcohol ordrugs.
•Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing
roadways.
•Use extra carewhen loading or unloadingthe machine
into a trailer or truck.
•Data indicatesthatoperators, age 60 yearsand above,
are involved in a large percentage of riding mower-
related injuries. These operators shouldevaluate their
ability to operate the riding mower safely enough to
protect themselves and others from serious injury.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and
tipover accidents, whichcan resultinsevers injuryordeath.,
Allslopes requireextra 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 slowspeed. Choose a low gear sothat you willnot
have to stop or shift while on the slope.
•Followthemanufacturer's recommendationsfor wheel
weights or counterweights to improve stability.
•Use extra care with grass catchers or other attach-
ments. These can change the stabilityofthe machine.
•Keepallmovementontheslopesslowandgradual. Do
not make sudden changes in speed ordirection.
•Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose
traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly
straight downthe slope.
DO NOT:
•Do not turnon slopesunlessnecessary, and then, turn
slowlyand gradually downhill,ifpossible.
•Do notmow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.
The mower couldsuddenlyturnoverifawheel isoverthe
edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.
•Donotmowonwetgrass.Reducedtractioncouidcause
sliding.
•Do not try to stabilize the machineby puttingyour foot
on the ground.
•Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.
IlL CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occurifthe 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 ofanother responsibleadult.
• Be alert and turn machineoff ifchildrenenter the area.
•Before and when backing, look behind and down for
small children.
•Nevercarrychildren. TheymayfaUoffandbeseriously
injured or interfere withsafe machineoperation.
•Never allow children tooperate the machine.
•Useextracarewhenappmaching blindcomers, shrubs,
trees, or other objectsthat may obscurevision.
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 coolbefore refueling. Do
not smoke.
Never refuel the machine indoors.
Never store the machine or fuel container inside
where there isanopenflame, suchasa water heater.
•Never run a machine insidea closed area.
• Keep nuts and belts, especiallyblade attachment bolts,
tightand keep equipment in goodcondition.
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.
•Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris
build-up. Clean oilorfuelspillage. Allowmachine tocool
before storing.
• Stop and inspect the equipment ifyoustrike 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 detedoration,which could expose moving parts
or allow objects to bethrown. Frequently check compo-
nents and replace with manufacturer's recommended
parts, when necessary.
• Mower blades aresharp 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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