SAFETY RULES
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES FOR RIDE-ON MOWERS
IMPORTANT: THIS CUTI-ING 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. GENERAL OPERATION
Read, understand, and follow all instructionsin the
manual and on the machine before starting.
•Only allow responsibleadults,whoare familiarwith the
instructions, to operate the machine.
•Clear the area ofobjectssuchas rocks,toys,wire,etc.,
which could be pickedup and thrown bythe blade.
•Be sure the area isclear of other people before mow-
ing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
•Never carry passengers.
•Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
Always lookdown and behindbefore and while back-
ing.
•Be aware ofthe mower discharge directionand do not
point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without
either the entire grass catcher or the guard in place.
•Slow down beforeturning.
•Never leave a running machine unattended. Always
turn off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and
remove keys before dismounting.
•Turn off blades when not mowing.
•Stop engine before removing grass catcher or un-
clogging chute.
•Mow only in daylightor good artificiallight.
•Do not operate the machine whileunder the influence
of alcohol or drugs.
•Watch for traffic when operating near orcrossingroad-
ways.
•Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine
into a trailer or truck.
• Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above,
are involved in a large percentage of riding mower-re-
lated 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
Slopesare a majorfactor relatedto loss-of-controlandtipever
accidents,whichcanresultinsevereinjuryordeath. Allslopes
requireextracaution. Ifyoucannot back uptheslopeor ifyou
feel uneasyon if, do notmow it.
DO:
• Mow up and down slopes, not across.
•Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs,etc.
•Watch for holes, ruts,or bumps. Uneventerrain could
overturn the machine. Tallgrass can hide obstacles.
•Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will
not have to stop or shift while on the slope.
•Followthe manufacturer's recommendationsfor wheel
weights or counterweights to improve stability.
•Useextra care withgrasscatchers orotherattachments.
These can change the stabilityof the machine.
•Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual.
Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction. 2
• Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. Iftires lose trac-
tion, disengage thebladesand proceed slowlystraight
downthe slope.
DO NOT:
•Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then,
turnslowly and gradually downhill,if possible.
•Do notmow near drop-offs, ditches,or embankments.
The mower couldsuddenlyturn over ifawheel isover
the edge of acliffor ditch, or ifan edge caves in.
•Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could
cause sliding.
•Donot try tostabilizethe machine by puttingyour foot
on the ground.
•Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.
II1.CHILDREN
Tragicaccidentscanoccuriftheoperatorisnotalerttothepres-
enceofchildren. Childrenare often attractedto the machine
andthemowingactivity.Neverassumethatchildrenwillremain
whereyoulastsawthem.
•Keep children out of the mowing area and under the
watchfulcare of another responsibleadult.
•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 carewhen approaching blind corners, 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 only an 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.
- Neverstorethe machineorfuel containerinside where
there is an open flame, such as a water heater.
•Never run amachine inside a closed area.
•Keepnutsand bolts,especiallybladeattachment bolts,
tightand keep equipment in good condition.
•Nevertamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.
•Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris
build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to
cool before storing.
•Stop and inspectthe equipment ifyou strikean object.
Repair,if necessary, before restarting.
•Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine
running.
• Grass catcher componentsare subjectto wear, dam-
age, and deterioration, which could expose moving
partsor allowobjectsto be thrown. Frequently check
components and replace with manufacturer's recom-
mended parts, when necessary.
•Mowerbladesare sharpand cancut.Wrapthe blade(s)
orwear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing
them.
•Check brake operation frequently. Adjustand service
as required.