3
SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-over
accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes
require extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if
you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.
For your safety, use the slope gauge (provided in tractor
Operator’s Manual) to measure slopes before operating the
unit on a sloped or hilly area. If the slope is greater than 15
degrees, as shown by the slope gauge, do not operate the unit
on that area or serious injury could result.
DO:
Mow up and down slopes, not across.
Remove obstacles such as rocks, limbs, etc.
Watch for holes, ruts or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the
machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
Use slow speeds. Choose a low enough gear so that you will not
have to stop or shift while on the slope. Always keep the machine
in gear when going down slopes to take advantage of engine
braking action.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for wheel weights or
counterweights to improve stability.
Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. These
can change the stability of the machine.
Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not make
sudden changes in speed or direction. Rapid engagement or
braking could cause the front of the machine to lift and rapidly flip
over backwards which could cause serious injury.
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If the tires lose traction,
disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope.
DO NOT:
Do not turn on slopes unless absolutely necessary. If necessary,
turn slowly and gradually across and down slope, if possible.
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments. The mower
could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff or
ditch, or if an edge caves in.
Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding.
Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the
ground.
CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine
and the mowing activity. Never assume that children will remain
where you last saw them.
Keep children out of the mowing area and in watchful care of
an adult other than the operator.
Be alert and turn the machine off if children enter the area.
Before and when backing up, look behind and down for small
children.
Never carry children, even with the blades off. They may fall
off and be seriously injured or may interfere with safe machine
operation.
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Never allow children under 14 years old to operate the
machine. Children 14 years and older should only operate
the machine under close parental supervision and proper
instruction.
Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees
or other objects that may obscure your vision of a child or
other hazard.
Remove the key when the machine is left unattended to
prevent unauthorized operation.
SERVICE
Use extreme care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They
are extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.
Use only an approved container.
Never remove fuel cap or add fuel with the engine hot
or running. Allow the engine to cool at least two minutes
before refueling.
Replace the fuel cap securely and wipe off any spilled
fuel before starting the engine as it may cause a fire or
explosion.
Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources
of ignition.
Never refuel the machine indoors because fuel vapors
will accumulate in the area.
Never store the fuel container or machine inside where
there is an open flame or spark, such as a gas hot water
heater, space heater or furnace.
Never run a machine inside a closed area. Engine exhaust
fumes can be lethal.
To reduce fire hazard, keep the machine free of grass, leaves
or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage. Allow the
machine to cool at least 5 minutes before storing.
Before cleaning, repairing or inspecting, stop the engine and
remove key. Make certain the blades and all moving parts
have stopped.
Frequently check all nuts, bolts and screws for proper
tightness to ensure the equipment is in safe working condition,
especially the blade nuts. Also visually inspect blades for
damage (e.g., excessive wear, bent, cracked). Replace only
with blades that meet original equipment specifications.
Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper opera-
tion regularly. Use all guards as instructed in this manual.
After striking a foreign object, stop the engine and thoroughly
inspect the mower for any damage. Repair the damage before
restarting and operating the mower.
Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blades or wear
gloves, and use extra caution when servicing blades.
Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as
required.
Muffler and engine become hot during operation and can
cause a burn. Allow to cool down before touching.
Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed the
engine. Excessive engine speeds are extremely dangerous.
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