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F-030771L
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers.
This cutting 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
1. Read, understand and follow all instructions
in the Instruction Book, on the machine, the
engine and with any attachments before
starting.
2. Only allow responsible adults, who are famil-
iar with the instructions, to operate the ma-
chine.
3. Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys,
wire, etc., which could be picked up and
thrown by the blade.
4. Be sure the area is clear of other people be-
fore mowing. Stop the machine if anyone en-
ters the area.
5. Never carry passengers.
6. Turn off power to the blades or any attach-
ments before backing up. Do not mow in re-
verse unless absolutely necessary. Always
look down and behind before and while back-
ing.
7. Be aware of the mower discharge direction
and do not point it at anyone. Do not operate
the mower without either the entire grass
bagger or the mower guard in place.
8. Slow down before turning.
9. Never leave a machine unattended with the
engine running. Always turn off the blade(s),
set the parking brake, stop the engine and
remove the key before dismounting.
10. Turn off power to attachment(s) when trans-
porting or not in use. Turn off the blade(s)
when not mowing.
11. Stop the engine before removing the grass
bagger or unclogging the chute.
12. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
13. Do not operate the machine while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs or when very
tired.
14. Watch for traffic when operating near or
crossing roadways.
15. Use extra caution when loading or unloading
the machine into a trailer or truck.
16. Turn off all attachment clutches before at-
tempting to start the engine.
17. Always wear goggles, safety glasses, or an
eye shield when you operate the unit to pro-
tect your eyes from foreign objects that can
be thrown from the unit. Always wear eye
protection when you make an adjustment or
repair to the machine.
18. Use care when pulling loads or using heavy
equipment.
a. Use only approved drawbar hitch points.
b. Limit loads to those you can safely con-
trol.
c. Do not turn sharply. Use care when back-
ing.
d. Use counterweights or wheel weights
when suggested in the Instruction Book.
19. Do not operate this machine if you are taking
drugs or other medication which can cause
drowsiness or affect your ability to operate
this machine.
20. Do not use this machine if you are mentally
or physically unable to operate this machine
safely.
21. Data indicates that operators, age 60 years
and above, are involved in a large percent-
age of riding mower related injuries. These
operators should evaluate their ability to op-
erate a riding mower safely enough to protect
themselves and others from serious injury.
II. Slope operation
Slopes and rough terrain are major factors
related to loss-of-control and tip-over acci-
dents, 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 the slope, do not mow it. See the
“Slope Guide” in the back of this book to
check for safe operation.
DO
1. Mow up and down slopes, not across.
2. Remove obstacles such as rocks, limbs,
etc...
3. Watch for holes, ruts or bumps. Uneven ter-
rain could overturn the machine. Tall grass
can hide obstacles.
4. Use slow speed. Choose a low enough gear
so that you will not have to stop or shift while
on the slope.
5. Use slow speed on slopes. Do not make
sudden speed changes.
6. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations
for wheel weights or counterweights to im-
prove stability.
7. Use extra care with grass baggers or other
attachments, they can change the stability of
the machine.
8. Keep all movement on the slopes slow and
gradual. Do not make sudden changes in
speed or direction.
9. Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires
lose traction, turn off the blades and proceed
slowly straight down the slope.
DO NOT
1. Do not turn on slopes unless absolutely nec-
essary, then only turn slowly and gradually
downhill, if possible.
2. Do not mow drop-offs, ditches or embank-
ments. A wheel over the edge or an edge
caving in could cause a sudden overturn and
an injury or death.
3. Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction
could cause sliding.
4. Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting
your foot on the ground.
5. Do not use a grass bagger or other rear
mounted accessories on steep slopes (great-
er than 10 degrees).
III. Children
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is
not alert to the presence of children. Chil-
dren are often attracted to the machine and
the mowing activity. NEVER assume that
children will remain where you last saw
them.
1. Keep children out of the mowing area and in
the watchful care of another responsible
adult.
2. Be alert and turn the engine off if children
enter the area.
3. Before and when backing, look behind and
down for small children.
4. Never carry children or any passengers,
even with the blades off. They may fall off
and be seriously injured or interfere with the
safe operation of the machine.
5. Never allow children to operate the machine.
Instruct children in the potential dangers of
the machine.
6. Use extra care when approaching blind cor-
ners, shrubs, trees or other objects that may
obscure vision.
IV. Service
1. Use extra care when handling gasoline and
other fuels. Fuels are flammable and the va-
pors are explosive.
a. Use only an approved container.
b. Never remove the gas cap or add fuel
with the engine running. Allow the engine to
cool for several minutes before refueling. Do-
not smoke.
c. Never refuel the machine indoors.
d. Never store the machine with fuel in the
tank or fuel container inside where there is
an open flame, such as a water heater.
2. Never start or run the engine inside a closed
area.
3. Keep all nuts and bolts, especially the blade
attachment nuts tight. Frequently check the
blade(s) for wear or damage such as cracks
and nicks. A blade that is bent or damaged
must be immediately replaced with an origi-
nal equipment blade from an authorized ser-
vice dealer. For safety, replace the blade
every two years. Keep the equipment in good
condition.
4. Never tamper with the safety devices. Check
their proper operation regularly.
5. To reduce fire hazards, keep the machine
free of grass, leaves or other debris build-up.
Clean up oil or fuel spills. Allow the machine
to cool before storing.
6. Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike
an object. Repair, if necessary, before re-
starting.
7. Never make adjustments or repairs with the
engine running. The carburetor can be ad-
justed with the engine running. Do not
change the engine governor settings or
over-speed the engine.
8. Grass bagger components are subject to
wear, damage and deterioration, which could
expose moving parts or allow objects to be
thrown. For storage, always make sure the
grass bag is empty. Frequently check com-
ponents and replace with manufacturer’s rec-
ommended parts when necessary.
9. Mower blade(s) are sharp and can cut. Wrap
the blade(s) or wear gloves and use extra
caution when servicing them or the blade
housing area.
10. Check the brake operation frequently. Adjust
and service as required.
11. Wait for all movement to stop before servic-
ing any part of the unit.