SlopeOperation
SIopee 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 _nctuded as part of
this manual to measure slopes before operating this
uW_ton a s_oped or billy area. It the slope is greater than
15° as shown on the slope gauge, do not operate this
unit on that area or serious injurycould result.
DO:
• Mow up and down slopes, not across.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, limbs, etc.
- W__tohfor _olas, ruts or bumps. Uneven tar rain
could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide
obstacles.
• Use slow speed. Choose a low enough gear so that
you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope.
Always keep machine in gear when going down
slopes to take advantage of engine braking action.
• FollOW the manufactureT's recommendat_,m'_s for
wheel weights or counterweights to improve
stability.
• Use extra care with grass catchers or other
attachments. These can change the stability ofthe
machine.
• Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual.
Do r_tmake sudden ohanges'm spee_ or(_r_on.
Rapid engagement or braking could cau,_e the front
of the machine to lift and rapidly flipover I_ackwards
which could cause serious injury.
• Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose
traction, disengage the blade(s) and proceed slowly
straight down the slope.
DoNot:
• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary; 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
"_tan edQjeca0tes _r_.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could
cause sliding.
• [3o not try to stabilize the machine by putting your
foot on the ground.
• [30 not use grass catcher on steep slopes.
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 lasf saw them.
• Keep children out of the mowing area and in
watchful care of an adult other than the operator.
• Be alert and turn machine off if chJldran enter the
ate'&.
• Before and when backing, look behind and down
for small children.
• Never carry children, even with the b/aries off. They
may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with
the safe machine operation.
• Never allow children under 14 years old to operate
the machine. (3_ldren 14 yeats an_ OVBTShOU_
only operate machine under dose parental
supervision and p_Operinstruction.
• Use extra care when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees or other objects that may obscure
your vision of a child or other hazard.
• Remove key when machine is unattended to
prevent unauthor)zed operation.
Service
• Use extreme care In handling gasoline and other
fuels. They are extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive.
• _&seon_,yan appTu_e_ co_ne_.
• Never remove fuel cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes
before refueling.
• Replace 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.
• To reduce fire hazard, keep the machine free of
grass, leaves or other debris bui{d-up.Clean up ei_
or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool at least 5
minutes before storing.
• Before cleaning, repairing or inspecting, make
certain the bladeand allmoving parts have
stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keep
the wire avery _rem the spaTk plug to prevent
accidental starting.
4