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Safety Instructions
18
9. Watch for holes, rocks, and roots in the terrain
and for other hidden hazards. When mowing tall
grass, mow higher than desired to expose any
hidden obstacles. Then, clean the area and
mow to the desired height.
10. Avoid sudden starts or stops. Before backing
the machine up, look to the rear to be sure no
one is behind the machine. Watch carefully for
traffic when crossing or working near roadways.
11. Disengage the blade drive when transporting
the machine across drives, sidewalks, etc. Ne-
ver raise the mower deck while blades are
rotating.
12. The maximum recommended side slope op-
erating angle is 20 degrees or 33% grade.
When operating the machine on a slope, reduce
speed and use caution to start, stop, and ma-
neuver. To prevent tipping or loss of control of
the machine, avoid sharp turns or sudden
changes in direction.
13. Never adjust cutting height with the engine
running. Before adjusting cutting height or ser-
vicing, disengage the blade clutch (PTO), stop
the engine, and remove the ignition key. Wait for
all movement to stop before getting off the seat.
NOTE: A blade/blower brake should normally
stop drive line rotation within five (5) seconds of
disengaging the PTO clutch.
14. For side discharge mower decks, do not oper-
ate with the grass deflector chute removed.
Keep the deflector in the lowest possible posi-
tion.
15. For tractors equipped with tilt-up deck, observe
the following recommendations:
a. Do not move tractor with deck in tilt-up po-
sition.
b. Never tilt body forward with deck in tilt-up
position.
16. For GHS equipped models, do not operate the
machine with the grass catcher in the DUMP
position or with the back door OPEN. Dan-
gerous projectiles may be thrown out of the dis-
charge chute or the back of the grass catcher.
17. For GHS equipped models, use care when
closing the grass catcher door. Keep fingers
and hands away from the hinge and pinch
points when the door is being closed. Also,
keep fingers and hands clear of the door frame.
The door is held closed with springs and the
door may slam shut with considerable force.
18. In case of a clogged or plugged mower deck
or GHS catching system:
a. Disengage the blade clutch (PTO) and turn
the engine off before leaving the seat.
b. LOOK to make sure blade drive shaft and
blower drive pulley movement has stopped
before trying to unclog the system.
c. Disconnect the spark plug wires.
d. Never place hands under the deck or in the
GHS blower - use a stick or similar tool to
remove clogged material.
19. If the cutting blades strike a solid object or the
machine begins to vibrate abnormally, immedi-
ately disengage the blade clutch (PTO), stop
the engine, and wait for all moving parts to
stop. To prevent accidental starting, disconnect
the spark plug wires. Thoroughly inspect the
mower and repair any damage before restarting
the engine and operating the mower. Make sure
cutter blades are in good condition and blade
nuts are torqued to 60 ft-lb (81.3 N
⋅m).
20. Do not touch the engine or muffler while the
engine is running or immediately after stopping
the engine. These areas may be hot enough to
cause serious burns.
21. When leaving the machine unattended, dis-
engage the blade clutch (PTO), stop the en-
gine, and remove the key.
22. For Model MTL, never remove the radiator
pressure cap when the engine is hot (hot
water may spray and cause burns).
MAINTENANCE
1. To prevent accidental starting of the engine
when servicing or adjusting the machine, re-
move the key from the ignition switch and dis-
connect the spark plug wires.