Poulan Pro 197418, Operator'S Manual

3

•      Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before operat-

ing.  Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

•      Never carry passengers.
•     Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. 

Al ways look down and behind before and while back-
ing.

•         Never carry children, even with the blades shut off.  They 

may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with 
safe machine operation. Children who have been given 
rides in the past may suddenly appear in the mowing 
area for another ride and be run over or backed over 
by the machine.

•         Keep children out of the mowing area and in the watchful 

care of a responsible adult other than the operator.

•     Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the 

area.

•     Before and while backing, look behind and down for 

small children.

•      Mow up and down slopes (15° Max), not across.
•      Choose a low ground speed so that you will not have 

to stop or shift while on the slope.

•      Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope.  If the 

tires lose traction,  disengage the blades and proceed 
slowly straight down the slope.

•      If machine stops while going uphill, disengage blades, 

shift into reverse and back down slowly.

•      Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn 

slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.

SAFETY RULES

Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers

III. CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to 
the presence of children.  Children are often attracted to 
the ma chine and the mowing activity.  

Never assume that 

children will remain where you last saw them.
•         Keep children out of the mowing area and in the watchful 

care of a responsible adult other than the operator.

•     Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the 

area.

•     Before and while backing, look behind and down for 

small children. 

•         Never carry children, even with the blades shut off.  They 

may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with 
safe machine operation. Children who have been given 
rides in the past may suddenly appear in the mowing 
area for another ride and be run over or backed over 
by the machine.

•      Never allow children to operate the machine.
•         Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, 

trees, or other objects that may block your view of a 
child.

IV. TOWING

•      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 recommendation for weight 

limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes.

•     Never allow children or others in or on towed equip-

ment.

•     On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may 

cause loss of traction and loss of control.

•      Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop. 

V. SERVICE

SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE

To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme 
care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely fl ammable 
and the vapors are explosive.
•     Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other 

sources of ignition.

•      Use only approved gasoline container.
•      Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine run-

ning. Allow engine to cool before refueling.

•      Never fuel the machine indoors.
•      Never store the machine or fuel container where there 

is an open fl ame, spark, or pilot light such as on a water 
heater or other appliances.

•     Never fi ll containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or 

trailer bed with plastic liner. Always place containers 
on the ground away from your vehicle when fi lling.

•         Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or trailer 

and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then 
refuel such equipment with a portable container, rather 
than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.

•      Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank 

or container opening at all times until fueling is complete. 
Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.

•     If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immedi-

ately.

•     Never overfi ll fuel tank. Replace gas cap and tighten 

securely.

GENERAL SERVICE

•      Never operate machine in a closed are.
•      Keep all nuts and bolts tight to be sure the equipment 

is in safe working 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 and remove any fuel-
soaked debris.  Allow machine to cool before storing.

•     If you strike a foreign object, stop and inspect the 

machine. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.

•         Never make any adjustments or repairs with the engine 

run ning.

•     Check grass catcher components and the discharge 

guard frequently and replace with manufacturer's rec-
ommended parts, when necessary.

•     Mower blades are sharp.  Wrap the blade or wear 

gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.

•      Check brake operation frequently.  Adjust and service 

as required.

•     Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as 

necessary.