4
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES FOR RIDE-ON MOWERS
DANGER !
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.
SAFETY RULES
GENERAL OPERATION
Read, understand and follow all instructions in the
•
manual and on the machine before starting.
Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar
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with the instructions, to operate the machine.
Clear the area of objects such as rocks, stones,
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toys, wire etc., which could be picked up and
thrown by the blades.
Be sure the area is clear of all people and pets
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before mowing. Stop the machine if anyone enters
the area.
Never carry passengers or children even with
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blades off.
Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely
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necessary. Always look down and behind before
and while backing.
Be aware of the mower discharge direction and
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do not direct it towards anyone. Do not operate
the mower without either the entire grass catcher
or the guard in place.
Slow down before turning.
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Never leave the machine unattended when the
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engine is running. Always turn off the blades, set
the parking brake, stop the engine and remove
the key before leaving the machine.
Turn off blades when not mowing.
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Stop engine before removing grass catcher or
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unclogging chute.
Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
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Do not operate the machine while under the
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influence of alcohol or drugs.
Watch out for traffic when operating near or
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crossing roadways.
Use extra care when loading and unloading the
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machine onto a trailer or truck.
Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and
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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.
DO NOT
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operate mower with grass catcher,
unless the front weights are installed.
Keep machine free of grass, leaves or other
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debris buildup which can touch hot exhaust/
engine parts and burn. Do not allow the mower
deck to plow leaves or other debris which can
cause buildup to occur. Clean any oil or fuel
spillage before operating or storing the machine.
Allow machine to cool before storage.
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
mow it.
DO
Mow up and down slopes (10° Max.), not across.
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Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
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Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain
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could overturn the machine.
Tall grass can hide
obstacles.
Use slow speed. Choose a low speed so that you
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will not have to stop while on the slope.
Use extra care with grass catchers or other
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attachments. These can change the stability of
the machine.
Keep all movement on the slopes
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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 NOT
Do not
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turn on slopes unless necessary, and
then, turn slowly and gradually downhill, if
possible.
Do not
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mow near drop-off, ditches, or
embankments. The mower could suddenly turn
over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff or ditch,
or if an edge caves in.
