Not for
Reproduction
• Never operate with the discharge deflector raised, removed
or altered, unless using a grass catcher.
• Do not change the engine governor setting or overspeed
the engine.
• Stop on level ground, lower implements, disengage drives,
engage parking brake, shut off engine before leaving the
operator’s position for any reason including emptying the
grass catchers or unclogging the chute.
• Stop equipment and inspect blades after striking objects or
abnormal vibration occurs. Make necessary repairs before
resuming operations.
• Keep hands and feet away from the cutting units.
• Look behind and down before backing up to be sure of a
clear path.
• Never carry passengers and keep pets and bystanders away.
• Do not operate the unit while under the influence of alcohol
or drugs.
• Slow down and use caution when making turns and crossing
roads and sidewalks. Stop blades if not mowing.
• Use care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer
or truck.
• Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees or
other objects that may obscure vision.
• To reduce fire hazard, keep unit free of grass, leaves &
excess oil. Do not stop or park over dry leaves, grass or
combustible materials.
WARNING
It is a violation of California Public Resource Code, Section
4442, to use or operate the engine on any forest-covered,
brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the exhaust
system is equipped with a spark arrester, as defined in Section
4442, maintained in effective working order. Other states or
federal jurisdictions may have similar laws. Contact an
Authorized Service Dealer to obtain a spark arrester designed
for the exhaust system installed on this engine.
• OSHA regulations may require the use of hearing protection
when exposed to sound levels greater than 85 dBA for an 8
hour time period.
CAUTION
This machine produces sound levels in excess of 85 dBA at
the operator’s ear and can cause hearing loss though extended
periods of exposure.
Wear hearing protection when operating this machine.
Slope Operation
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 drive on it.
WARNING
Do not use this machine on slopes greater than 15°.*
Select slow ground speed before driving onto slope. Use extra
caution when operating on slopes with rear-mounted grass
catchers.
Mow across the face of slopes, not up and down, use caution
when changing directions and DO NOT START OR STOP ON
SLOPE.
* This limit was determined per CEN Standard EN 836:1997, Section 5.2.2
and is based on the EN 836 Stability Test procedure described in Section
4.2.4.2. The 15 degree “limit of stability” is equal to 50% of the angle at
which machine lift-off occurred in static tests. Actual dynamic stability may
vary depending on operating conditions.
Do:
• Mow across slopes, not up and down.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overturn the unit. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
• Use slow speed. Choose a slow speed so that you will not
have to stop or change speed while on the slope.
• Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments.
These can change the stability of the unit.
• Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not
make sudden changes in speed or direction.
• See your authorized dealer for recommendations of available
weights to improve stability.
Do NOT:
• Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If tires lose
traction (i.e. machine stops forward motion on a slope),
disengage the blade(s) (PTO) and drive slow off the slope.
• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly
and gradually uphill, if possible. Never mow down slopes.
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The
operator could lose footing or balance or mower could
suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff or
ditch, or if an edge caves in.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced footing or traction could
cause sliding.
• Do not try to stabilize the unit by putting your foot on the
ground. (ride-on units).
• Do not mow excessively steep slopes.
• Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.
• Do not mow slopes if you cannot back up them.
Towed Equipment (Ride-On Units)
• Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for towing.
Do not attach towed equipment except at the hitch point.
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for weight limit
for towed equipment and towing on slopes. See attaching
a trailer under OPERATION.
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