• Always wear eye protection when operating machine.
• Wear proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while
operating this machine, including (at a minimum) sturdy
footwear, eye protection, and hearing protection. Do not
mow in shorts and/or footwear with open toes.
WARNING! Do not drive up or down hills with slopes
greater than 10 degrees. Do not drive across any slopes.
• Choose a low ground speed so that you will not have to
stop while on the slope.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Tires may lose traction.
• Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If the tires
lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly
straight down the slope.
• Keep movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not
make sudden changes in speed or direction, which could
cause machine to roll over.
• Use extra care while operating machine with grass catchers
or other attachments; they can affect the stability of the
machine.
• Do not use on steep slopes.
• Do not try to stabilize the
machine by putting a foot
on the ground.
• Do not mow near drop-offs,
ditches, or embankments.
The machine could
suddenly roll over if a wheel
is over the edge or the edge
caves in.
Safe Handling of Gasoline
WARNING! The engine and the exhaust system
become very hot during operation. There is a risk for burns
if touched. Allow engine and exhaust system to cool before
refueling.
WARNING! When using the machine, approved
personal protective equipment should be used. Personal
protective equipment cannot eliminate the risk of injury
but it will reduce the degree of injury if an accident does
happen. Ask your retailer for help in choosing the right
equipment.
• Data indicates that operators age 60 years and above are
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.
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for wheel
weights or counterweights.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves or other debris buildup
which can touch hot exhaust or engine parts and burn. Do
not allow the mower deck to plow leaves or other debris
which can cause buildup to occur. Clean any oil or fuel
spillage before operating or storing the machine.
• Allow machine to cool before storage.
Personal Safety Equipment
• Make sure that first aid
equipment is close at hand
when using the machine.
• Never use the machine
when barefoot.
• Always wear protective
shoes or boots, preferably
with steel toe caps.
• Always wear approved
protective glasses or a full
visor when assembling or driving.
• Always wear gloves when handling the blades.
• Never wear loose clothing that can get caught in moving
parts.
• Use ear protectors to avoid damage to hearing.
Slope Operation
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-over
accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. Operation
on all slopes requires extra
caution. If you cannot back up
the slope or if you feel uneasy
on it, do not mow it.
• Mow up and down slopes
(10 degrees maximum), not
across.
• Watch for holes, ruts,
bumps, rocks, or other
hidden objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine.
Tall grass can hide obstacles.
To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme care
in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive.
• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources of
ignition.
• Use only approved gasoline
containers.
• Never remove gas cap or
add fuel with the engine
running. Allow engine to
cool before refueling.
• Never fuel the machine
indoors.
• Never store the machine or fuel container where there is an
open flame, spark or pilot light such as on a water heater or
other appliance.
• Before you begin refueling, minimize the risk of static
electricity by touching a metal surface.
• Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer
bed with plastic liner. Always place containers on the
ground away from the vehicle when filling.
• Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas cap and tighten
securely.
8
SAFETY