SAFETY adult. attachments. Remove weights when not required. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them. Children are attracted to mowing activity, stay alert to the presence of children. Drive up and down a hill - not across. Do not stop when going up hill or down hill. If machine stops going up hill, disengage mower blades and back down slowly. Keep children indoors when you are mowing. Turn the machine off if a child enters the mowing area. Mowing when grass is wet can cause reduced traction and sliding. Use extra care when you come to blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may block your vision.
Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground. Do not let children or an untrained person operate the machine. Do not carry or let children ride on any attachment or machine even with the blades off. Do not tow children in a cart or trailer. Keep Riders Off Avoid Tipping Only allow the operator on the machine. Keep riders off. MIF Riders on the machine or attachment may be struck by foreign objects or thrown off the machine causing serious injury. Slopes 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. Riders obstruct the operator’s view resulting in the machine being operated in an unsafe manner. Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction. Towing Loads Safely Slow down before you make a sharp turn or operate on a slope. Choose a low gear or speed so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope. Limit loads to those you can safely control. Use only approved hitches when pulling loads or using heavy equipment. Use counterweights or wheel weights as required in this manual or your attachment manual. Do not turn on slopes unless necessary.
Turn slowly and turn downhill. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill. Do not tow children in a cart or trailer. Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop. Stay alert for holes and other hidden hazards in the terrain. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for weight limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes. Keep away from drop-offs, ditches and embankments. Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. These can change the stability of the machine. Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes. Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for towing.
Do not attach towed equipment except at the hitch point. Use recommended weights for added stability when operating on slopes or using front or rear mounted On slopes, the weight of towed equipment may cause loss of traction and loss of control. Safety - 5