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OPERATION
601156_1106 11
Safe Operating Practices
This product is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing
objects. Always follow all safety instructions to avoid serious injury or death.
Operation
▲ Never leave a running machine unattended. Always disengage deck
clutch, place steering control levers in park brake position, stop tractor
engine, and remove ignition key when leaving operator’s seat.
▲ Always remain seated while operating machine.
▲ Always keep safety shields and covers in place, except for servicing.
▲ Always maintain a safe distance from people and pets when mowing.
Always stop machine if someone enters the area.
▲ Always operate machine in daylight or with adequate working lights.
▲ Follow daily and weekly checklists, making sure hoses are tightly
secured and bolts are tightened.
▲ Always observe traffic laws while driving machine from one location
to another. Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing road-
ways.
▲ Always be alert for hazards such as rocks, metal objects and other
debris which may be thrown or entangled by mower blades. Watch
out for holes or deep depressions.
▲ Inspect area to be mowed for hazards such as rocks, metal objects and
other debris which may be thrown or entangled by mower blades.
Remove these objects before mowing.
▲ Always inspect machine for damage after striking a foreign object. If
damage is found, repair machine immediately. Be sure to disengage
deck clutch, place steering control levers in park brake position, stop
tractor engine, and remove ignition key when leaving operator’s seat
to inspect damage.
▲ Always wear adequate ear protection, such as earplugs, when operat-
ing this equipment as prolonged exposure to uncomfortable or loud
noises can cause impairment or loss of hearing. Do not wear radios or
music headphones while operating the machinery. Safe operation
requires your full attention.
▲ Do not operate the equipment while wearing sandals, tennis shoes,
sneakers, shorts or any type of loose fitting clothing. Always wear
long pants, safety glasses, ear protection and safety shoes when oper-
ating this machine.
▲ Always be aware of what is behind the machine before backing up.
Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always look
down and behind before and while backing up.
▲ Never push forward suddenly on your steering control levers while the
machine is in rearward motion because machine may tip backwards.
▲ Never pull back suddenly on your steering control levers while the
machine is in forward motion.
▲ When moving in reverse, push forward slowly on steering control
levers and avoid sudden movement. Rapid movement of the steering
control levers in either direction could result in a reaction of the tractor
that can cause serious injury.
▲ Never operate a poorly maintained machine.
▲ Never attempt high speed maneuvering, especially in crowded or con-
gested areas.
▲ Never allow persons to operate this machine without proper instruc-
tion or allow children to operate machine. Allow only responsible
adults who are familiar with these instructions to operate this machine.
▲ Never put hands or feet under any part of the machine while it is run-
ning.
▲ Never carry passengers.
▲
Always disengage the blades and wait for them to stop before crossing
gravel drives, walks or roads.
▲ Always keep clear of the mower blades and attachments during their
operation.
▲ Turn off blades when not mowing.
▲ Slow down before turning.
▲ Stop the engine before removing the grass catcher or unclogging the
discharge chute. Never clear the discharge chute with the engine run-
ning. Turn off the engine and be sure the blades have stopped before
cleaning. Use a stick to clear a plugged discharge area. Never use
your hand!
▲ Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or
drugs.
▲ Exercise caution when loading or unloading the machine onto a trailer
or truck.
▲ Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields when
operating the mower.
▲ 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 mower safely enough to
protect themselves and others from serious injury.
▲ If any attachment or additional weight is mounted on the rear of the
unit, any rapid movement of the steering control levers in either direc-
tion could result in a reaction of the tractor that can cause serious
injury.
▲ Clean flammable material from machine. Prevent fires by keep-
ing engine compartment, exhaust area, battery, fuel line, fuel tank
and operator’s station clean of accumulated trash, grass clippings,
and other debris. Always clean up spilled fuel and oil.
Using a ramp
▲ Use extreme caution when loading and unloading a unit with a ramp.
▲ Use only a single, full width ramp; do not use individual ramps for
each side of the unit. Having a full width ramp provides a surface for
the tractor frame to contact if the unit starts to tip backwards. It also
reduces the risk of a wheel going off and the machine tipping over.
▲ Do not exceed a 15 degree angle between the ramp and the ground or
between the ramp and the trailer or truck.
▲ When on a ramp avoid sudden acceleration
Slope Operation
Slopes are a major factor in loss-of-control and tip-over accidents,
which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes require extra cau-
tion. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it; do not
mow it.
▲ Use extreme caution when operating on slopes.
• Be extremely careful changing directions on a slope. Slow down.
• Do not operate where the machine could slip or tip.
• Turn slowly
• Turn on the most level part of the slope
• To maximize traction, it is better to turn the front of the machine
uphill, rather than downhill. If drive tires lose traction, steering
control is lost which could cause serious injury or death.
• If it becomes necessary to turn downhill, turn slowly and gradually,
if possible.
▲ Do not remove or modify the stabilizer wheels.
▲ Watch for holes, ruts or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the
machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
▲ Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
▲ Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual. Do not make sudden
changes in speed or direction.
▲ Avoid starting and stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, disengage
the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope.
▲ Mow a safe distance (minimum of two mower widths) away from
drop-offs, retaining walls, drainage ditches, steep banks, water, and
other types of hazards to avoid a wheel dropping over the edge or to
avoid the ground from breaking away. This will help avoid machine
rollover and serious injury or death.
▲ Use a walk behind or push mower on slopes and near drop-offs, retain-
ing walls, drainage ditches, steep banks and water to avoid machine
rollover and serious injury or death.
▲ Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding and
loss of steering control.
▲ Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground.
▲ If the mower’s tires lose traction when operating on slopes, disengage
the blades, place the steering control levers in the park brake position,
turn the engine off and get help.