SAFETY counterweights. Safety • Inspect machine before you operate. Be sure hardware is tight. Repair or replace damaged, badly worn, or missing parts. Be sure guards and shields are in good condition and fastened in place. Make any necessary adjustments before you operate. Operating Safely 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. • Before using, always visually inspect to see that the blades, blade bolts and the mower assembly are not worn and damaged. Replace worn and damaged blades and bolts in sets to preserve balance.
• Read, understand and follow all instructions on the machine and in manuals provided, and view safety video, before starting. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and the proper use of the machine before starting. • Make sure spark plug, muffler, fuel cap and air cleaner are in place before starting the engine. • The residential zero radius lawn mower drives differently than a traditional riding mower. Learning to operate the controls smoothly and safely will take some time. • Be sure all drives are in neutral and parking brake is locked before starting engine. Only start engine from the operator’s position. • Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed the engine.
Operating the engine at excessive speed can increase the hazard of personal injury. • Practice operating the residential zero radius lawn mower in a large open area with the blades off. Keep practicing until you feel confident in your maneuvering and driving skills. • If you hit an object or if abnormal vibration occurs, stop the machine and inspect it. Make repairs before you operate. • Only allow responsible adults, who have practiced driving the residential zero radius lawn mower and are familiar with the instructions to operate the machine. Local restrictions may restrict the age of the operator. • Use only accessories and attachments approved by the manufacturer of the machine.
Keep safety labels visible when installing accessories and attachments. • Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the machine. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times. • Do not wear radio or music headphones. Safe service and operation requires your full attention. • Clear the area of objects such as rocks, wire and toys which could be thrown by the blades. • When machine is left unattended, stored, or parked, lower the mower deck unless a positive mechanical lock is used. • Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before operating. Stop machine if anyone enters the area. • Never carry passengers.
Using a Spark Arrestor • Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while backing. The engine in this machine is not equipped with a spark arrestor muffler. It is a violation of California Public Resource Code Section 4442 to use or operate this engine on or near any forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrestor meeting any applicable local or state laws. Other states or federal areas may have similar laws. • Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction. Material may ricochet back toward the operator.
Stop the blades when crossing gravel surfaces. • Do not operate the machine without the entire grasscatcher, discharge guard, or other safety devices in place and working. Never operate with the discharge deflector raised, removed, or altered, unless using a grasscatcher. A spark arrestor for your machine may be available from your authorized dealer. An installed spark arrestor must be maintained in good working order by the operator. • Slow down before turning. Checking Mowing Area • Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off blades, lock park brake, stop engine and remove key before dismounting. • Clear mowing area of objects that might be thrown.
Keep people and pets out of mowing area. • Disengage blades when not mowing. Shut off engine and wait for all parts to come to a complete stop before cleaning the machine, removing the grasscatcher, or unclogging the discharge chute. • Low-hanging branches and similar obstacles can injure the operator or interfere with mowing operation. Before mowing, identify potential obstacles such as low-hanging branches, and trim or remove those obstacles. • Operate machine only in daylight or good artificial light. • Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. • Study mowing area. Set up a safe mowing pattern. Do not mow where traction or stability is doubtful.
• Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways. Stop blades before crossing roads or sidewalks. • Test drive area with mower lowered but not running. Slow down when you travel over rough ground. • Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck. Parking Safely 1. Stop machine on a level surface, not on a slope. • Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields when operating machine. 2. Disengage mower blades. • Data indicates operators 60 years and above are involved in a large percentage of riding mower-related injuries.
These operators should evaluate their ability to operate the riding mower safely enough to protect themselves and others from serious injury. 3. Move motion control levers out to the Start/Shutdown position. 4. Lock the park brake. 5. Stop the engine. • Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for wheel weights or 6. Remove the key. Safety - 4