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5. Watch for holes, sprinkler heads and other hidden
hazards.
6. Reduce speed when making sharp turns.
7. Always have proper footing on slopes and hill
sides and never operate when conditions are
slippery. Be very careful on wet grass.
8. Always keep both hands on the handles. Always
walk, never run.
9. Never engage the blade clutch when the engine is
running unless you are on grass that you intend
to mow.
10. Be careful when crossing gravel paths or road-
ways. Always disengage the blade clutch and wait
until the blades stop rotating.
11. Never leave the mower unattended without disen-
gaging the blade clutch, placing the ground speed
control levers in neutral, placing the neutral latch
levers in the neutral lock position, shutting off the
engine, taking the key from the ignition switch and
closing the fuel shutoff valve.
12. Always park the mower and start the engine on a
level surface with the ground speed control levers
in neutral, the blade clutch disengaged and the
neutral latch levers in the neutral lock position.
13. Shut off the engine and wait for the blades to stop
rotating before removing the grass catcher.
14. If you hit a solid object while mowing, disengage
the blade clutch, place the ground speed control
levers in neutral, place the neutral latch levers in
the neutral lock position and stop the engine.
Disconnect the spark plug wire and inspect for
damage. Repair any damage and make sure the
blades are in good condition and the blade bolts
are tight before restarting the engine.
15. Do not mow excessively steep slopes. Mow
across the slope, not up and down the slope.
16. Never raise the mower deck while the blades are
rotating.
17. Never walk or stand on the discharge side of a
mower with the engine running. Disengage the
blade clutch if another person approaches while
you are operating a mower.
18. Always disconnect the spark plug wire to prevent
the engine from accidentally starting before
performing any maintenance on this mower.
19. Keep the mower and especially the engine/pump
area clean and free of grease, grass and leaves to
reduce
the chance of fire and to permit proper
cooling.
20. The operator presence control levers located at
each handle are designed for your safety. Do not
try to defeat their operation. If the blade clutch is
engaged or either of the ground speed control
levers are out of the neutral position, releasing
both handles will shut off the mower’s engine.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
A. General:
1. Read this Operator’s Manual before starting the
mower. Study the controls and learn the proper
sequence of operation.
2. Do not allow anyone to operate or maintain this
machine who has not read the manual. Never
permit children to operate this machine.
3. Always have your feet and hands clear of the
cutter deck when starting the engine.
4. Do not remove any shields, guards, decals or
safety devices. If a shield, guard, decal or safety
device is damaged or does not function, repair or
replace it before operating the mower.
5. Always wear safety glasses, long pants and
safety shoes when operating or maintaining this
mower. Do not wear loose-fitting clothing.
6. Never run the engine indoors without adequate
ventilation. Exhaust fumes are deadly.
7. To avoid serious burns, do not touch the engine
or muffler while the engine is running or until it
has cooled after it has been shut off.
8. The liquid in the battery is dilute sulfuric acid.
Always wear safety glasses (or goggles) and
rubber gloves when working on the battery. Do not
overfill the battery.
9. Lead-acid batteries generate hydrogen and oxygen
gases which form an explosive mixture. Keep
sparks and flames away at all times.
10. When looking for oil leaks, never run your hand
over hydraulic hoses, lines or fittings. (High-
pressure oil can easily penetrate the skin.) Never
tighten or adjust hydraulic hoses or fittings while
the system is under pressure.
B. Related to Fuel:
1. Gasoline is highly flammable. Respect it.
2. Do not smoke or permit others to smoke while
handling gasoline.
3. Always use approved containers for gasoline.
4. Always shut off the engine and permit it to cool
before removing the cap of the fuel tank.
5. If the fuel container spout will not fit inside the
fuel tank opening, use a funnel.
6. When filling the fuel tank, stop when the gasoline
reaches one inch from the top. This space must
be left for expansion. Do not overfill.
7. Wipe up any spilled gasoline.
C. When Mowing:
1. Keep adults, children and pets away from the area
to be mowed.
2. Never use this mower without the grasscatcher or
discharge chute installed and set in the down
position.
3. Mow only in daylight.
4. Always check the area to be mowed and remove
debris and other objects prior to mowing.
