SAFETY RULES X't
4Mk 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 arefamiliar withthe
instructions, to operate the machine.
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire,
etc., whichcould bepicked upand thrownbythe blade.
• Be sure thearea isclear ofotherpeople beforemowing.
Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
•Never carry passengers.
• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
Always lookdownand behindbeforeandwhilebacking.
•Be aware ofthe mower 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 down before turning.
•Never leave arunning machine unattended. Always
turn off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and
remove keys before dismounting.
•Turn offblades 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 underthe influence
of alcphol or drugs.
•Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing
roadways.
•Useextracarewhen loading or unloadingthemachine
into a trailer or truck.
•Data indicates thatoperators, age60 yearsand above,
are involved in alarge percentage of riding mower-
related injurias. These operatorsshouldevaluate 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, which can resultin sever injuryordeath.
AUslopes require extra caution, Ifyou cannot back upthe
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 tbe machine. Ta// grass can hide obstacles.
•Use slow speed. Choose alow gear sothatyou willnot
have to stop or shiftwhile on the slope.
•Followthe manufacturer's recommendationsforwheel
weights or counterweights to improve stability.
•Use extra care with grass catchers or other attach-
ments. These can change thestabilityofthe 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 down the slope.
DO NOT:
• Do not turn on slopesunlessnecessary, and then, turn
slowly and gradually downhill,ifpossible.
•Do not mow near drop-offs,ditches, or embankments.
The mower couldsuddenlytumoverif awheel isoverthe
edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.
•Donotmowonwetgrass.Reducedtractioncouldcause
sliding.
• Do not try to stabilizethe machine byputting your foot
on the ground.
•Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.
nl, CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occuriftheoperator is not alert tothe
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the
machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that
children will remain where you lastsaw them.
•Keep children out of the mowing area and under the
watchful care of another responsibleadult.
•Be alert and turn machine offifchildren enter the area.
•Before and when backing, look behind and down for
small children.
•Never carry children. They may falloffand be seriously
injured or interfere withsafe machine operation.
•Never allow childrentooperate the machine.
•Use extra care whenapproaching blindcorners, shrubs,
trees, or other objectsthat may obscure vision.
IV. SERVICE
•Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels.
They are flammable and vapors are explosive.
Use only anapproved container.
Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allow engine to coolbefore refueling. Do
not smoke.
Never refuel themachine indoors,
Never store the machine or fuel container inside
where there isanopen flame, suchasa water heater.
•Never run a machine insidea closed area,
•Keep nuts and bolts,especially blade attachment bolts,
tight and keep equipmentin good condition.
•Never tamper withsafety devicas. Check their proper
operation regulady.
•Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris
buUd-up. Clean oilorfuelspillage. Allowmachine tocool
before storing.
• Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object.
Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
• Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine
running.
•Grass catcher components are subject to wear, dam-
age, and deterioration,whichcouldexpose moving parts
orallow objectstobethrown. Frequently check compo-
nents and replace with manufacturer's recommended
parts, when necessery.
•Mowerbladesaresharpandcancut. 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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