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SAFETY RULES
DANGER: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS.
FAILURETOOBSERVETHE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONSCOULD RESULTINSERIOUSINJURY ORDEATH.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual before starting.
• Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the
machine.Keepclearofthedischargeopeningatalltimes.
• 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 picked up and thrown by the blade.
• Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before operating.
Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
• Never carry passengers.
• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
Always look down and behind before and while backing.
• Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid
discharging material against a wall or obstruction. Ma-
terial may ricochet back toward the operator. Stop the
blade when crossing gravel surfaces.
• Donotoperate machinewithoutthe entire grasscatcher,
discharge chute, or other safety devices in place and
working.
• Slow down before turning.
• Neverleavea runningmachineunattended. Alwaysturn
off blade, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove
keys before dismounting.
• Disengage blade when not mowing. Shut off engine
and wait for all parts to come to a complete stop before
cleaning the machine, removing the grass catcher, or
unclogging the discharge chute.
• Operate machine 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.
• Always wear eye protection when operating machine.
• Dataindicatesthatoperatorsage60yearsandaboveare
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.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves or other debris
build-up which can touch hot exhaust / engine parts and
burn. Do not allow the mower deck to plow leaves or
other debris which can cause build-up to occur. Clean
any oil or fuel spillage before operating or storing the
machine. Allow machine to cool before storage.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-
over accidents, which can result in severe injury or death.
Operationon allslopes requiresextra caution.If youcannot
back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.
• Mow up and down slopes (15° Max), not across.
• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden
objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine.
Tall grass can hide obstacles.
• Choose a low ground speed so that you will not have
to stop or shift while on the slope.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Tires may lose traction.
• Always keep the machine in gear when going down
slopes. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.
• If machine stops while going uphill, disengage blade,
shift into reverse, and back down slowly.
• Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If the tires
lose traction, disengage the blade and proceed slowly
straight down the slope.
• Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do
not make sudden changes in speed or direction, which
could cause the machine to roll over.
• Useextracarewhileoperatingmachinewithgrass catch-
ers or other attachments; they can affect the stability of
the machine.
• Do no use on steep slopes.
• Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot
on the ground.
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.
WARNING: Do not coast down a hill
in neutral, you may lose control of the
riding mower.
WARNING:Inordertopreventaccidental
starting when setting up, transporting,
adjusting or making repairs, always
disconnect spark plug wire and place
wirewhereitcannotcontactspark plug.
WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of
its constituents, and certain vehicle
components contain or emit chemi-
cals known to the State of California
to cause cancer and birth defects or
other reproductive harm.
WARNING: This unit is not intended for
towing, or use of wheel weights. Only
use attachments designed specifically
for this riding mower.
WARNING:Batteryposts,terminalsand
related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds, chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects or other reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling.