SAFETY
RULES
,
Safe Olseration Practicesfor Ride-On Mowers
GENERAL OPERATION
Read, understand, andfollow all instructions inthe manual
and on the machinebefore starling.
Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the
instructions,to operate the machine.
Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire; etc.,'
which could be pickedupand thrown bythe blade.
Besuretheareaisclearof otherpeoplebeforemowing.Stop
machine if anyone enters the area.
Nevercary passengers.
Donot mow inreverseunlessabsolutelynecessary. Always
look down and behindbefore and while backing.
Be awareofthe mower dischargedirectionand do not point
it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without either the
entire grass catcheror the guard in place.
Slow down beforeturning.
Neverleavea runningmachineunattended. Alwaysturn off
blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys
beforedismounting.
Turnoff blades when not mowing.
Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging
chute.
Mow only in daylight or good artificiallight.
Do not operate the machine while under the influence of
alcoholor drugs.
Watchfor traffic whenoperating near or crossingroadways.
Use extracarewhen loadingor unloadingthe machineinto
atrailer or truck.
81.
SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and
tipoveraccidents, whichcanresult insevereinjuryordeath.
All slopes requireextracaution.
If
you cannot back upthe
slope or
if
you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.
DO:
Mow up and downslopes, not across.
Removeobstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overturnthe machine. Tallgrass canhideobstacles.
Useslowspeed. Choosealowgearsothat youwill nothave
to stop or shift while on the slope.
-
Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for whee
weignts or countew~eightsto Improvestabll~ty
Use extra care with &ass catchers or other attachments.
These can change the stability of the machine.
.
Keepall rnovemenlon tnc slopes slorvand yradual Do no1
make sudden changes in speedor
direction
Avoid starting or stoppingon a slope. If tires lose traction,
disengage the bladesand proceedslowly straightdownthe
slope.
DO
NOT:
-
Donot
turnonslopesunlessnecessay,
andthen,turnslowly
and gradually downhill,
if
possible.
-
DO
nitmow "ear drop-olfs,ditches,or embankments. Ttie
mower co~ldsuddenly turn over
11
a wheel ,sover the edge
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Do not mow on wet grass.-~educedtraction could cause
siidinq.
Donittryto stabilizethe machinebyputtingyourfootonthe
ground.
00
notuse grass catcher on steep slopes,
III.
CHILDREN
Tragic accidentscanoccur
if
theoperator
is
notalert tothe
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the
machine and the mowing activity.
Never
assume that
childrenwill remain where you last saw them.
Keepchildrenout of themowingareaandunderthewatchful
care of another responsibleadult.
Be alert and turn machineoff
if
childrenenter the area.
Before and when backing, look behind and downfor small
children.
Never cary children. They may fall off and be seriously
injuredor interferewith safe machineoperation.
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
.
Useextracarein
handlinggasol~neanaotherfucls.
Theyare
flammableand vapors are explosive
Useonly an approvedcontainer.
Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do not
smoke.
Never refuelthe machine indoors.
Never store the machlneor fuelcontalner lnsldewnere
there
is
an open flame, stlch
as
a water healer
Never run a machineinsidea closedarea.
Keepnutsandbolts,
especially
bladeattachmentbolts.tight
and keep equipmcnr in good conoition.
Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.
Keepmachinefreeof grass, leaves,orother debrisbuild-up.
Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool before
storing.
Stop and inspect the equipment
if
you strike an object.
Repair, if necessary,beforerestarting.
Nevermakeadjustmentsor repairswith the enginerunning.
Grasscatchercomponentsaresubjectto
wear,damage,and
deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow
objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and
replacewithmanufacturer'srecommendedparts,whennec-
essay.
Mower bladesare sharp and cancut. Wrap the blade@)or
wear gloves, and useextra caution when servicingthem.
-
Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as
required.
wireand
w lace wire
where
itcannotcontact
spark in order to prevent accidental
slafling when setting up, transporting,
zdj-sting
0:
making repalm.
