SAFETY RULES Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers IMPORTANT: 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 III. CHILDREN Read, understand, and follow alt instructions in the manual - and on the machine before starting Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the instructions,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 surethe area is clear of other people before mowing 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 backing. ° 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. Alwaysturn off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys before dismountlngo . Turn off blades when not mowing ° Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging chute. . Mow only in daylight or good artificial light Do net operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Watch for trafficwhen operating near or crossing roadways° Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck. Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine andthe mowing activity. Never assume that childrenwill remain where you last saw them Keep childrenoutof the mowing area and under the watchful care of another responsible adutt. Be alert and turn machine off ifchildren 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 interferewith 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 flammable 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 refueting_ Do not smoke.. Never' refuel the machine indoors. Never store the machine or fuel contain, r inside where there is an open flame, such as a water heater_ , Never run a machine inside a closed area.
Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment botts, tight and keep equipment in good condition. * Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation 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 ara subject to wear damage, and deterioraton, which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown.
Frequently check components and replace with manufacturer's recommended parts, when nec- essary_ ° Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or wear gFoves, and use extra caution when servicing them.. = Check brake operation frequently.. Adjust and service as required° IL SLOPE OPERATION Slopes are a major factor related to toss-of-control and tipover accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes requtre extra caution. Ifyoucannot backuptheslopeorifyou 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..
Taft grass can hide obstacles. = Use slow speed. Choose a low gearso that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope. ° Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel weights or counterweights to improve stability. Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments 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 NOIT: Look for this symbol to point out impor- tant safety precautions. It means CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERTH!
YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED. Do_ot turnon slopes unlessnecessary, andthen,tum slowly and _radually downhill, if possible ° Do n_t mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The mow_ could suddenly turn over if a wheel is aver the edge of a cliffor ditch, or if an edge caves in. ° Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding_. CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot contact spark plug in order to prevent accidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs. Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground. ° Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.. 2