Poulan 161608 Lawn Mower User Manual


 
WARNING
The engine exhaust from this prod uct con tains
chem i cals known to the State of Cal i for nia to
cause can cer, birth defects, or other re pro -
duc tive harm.
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROW ING OBJECTS. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual and on the machine
before starting.
• Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the in struc tions, to
operate the machine.
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc., which could be
picked up and thrown by the blade.
• Be sure the area is clear 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 look down and
behind before and while back ing.
• Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point it at anyone. Do
not operate the mower without either the entire grass catcher or the guard in
place.
• Slow down before turning.
• 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 clog ging chute.
• Mow only in daylight or good artifi cial light.
• Do not operate the machine while under the infl uence of alcohol or drugs.
• Watch for traffi c when operating near or crossing roadways.
• Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or
truck.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tipover 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.
DO:
• Mow up and down slopes, not across.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine.
Tall grass can hide obstacles.
• Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will not have to stop or shift
while on the slope.
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for wheel weights or counter-
weights to improve stability.
• Use extra care with grass catchers or other at tach ments. 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.
• Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, disengage the
blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope.
DO NOT:
Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly and gradually
downhill, 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.
Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.
III. 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 under the watchful care of another
responsible adult.
• 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 care when 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 fl ammable 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.
- Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an open
fl ame, such as a water heater.
• Never run a machine inside a closed area.
• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight and keep equip-
ment in good condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper op er a tion 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 inspect the equipment if you strike an object. Repair, if necessary,
before restarting.
• Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running.
• Grass catcher components are subject to wear, dam age, and deterioration,
which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently
check components and replace with manufacturer's rec om mend ed parts,
when nec es sary.
• Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and
use extra caution when servicing them.
• Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as required.
Look for this symbol to point out im-
por tant safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BE COME ALERT!!! YOUR
SAFE TY IS IN VOLVED.
SAFETY RULES
CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug
wire and place wire where it cannot contact
spark plug in order to prevent ac ci den tal
starting when setting up, trans port ing,
adjusting or making re pairs.