Poulan Pro 438511, Operator'S Manual

2

SAFETY RULES

Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers

DANGER:  THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROW ING OBJECTS.  FAILURE 

TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

I. GENERAL OPERATION 

•  Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the 

machine and in the manual before starting.

•  Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under 

the machine. Keep clear of the discharge opening at 

all times.

•  Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with 

the in struc tions, to operate the machine.

• 

Clear the area of objects such as  rocks, toys, wire, etc.,  

which could be picked up and thrown by the blades.

•  Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before 

operating.  Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

•  Never carry passengers.

•  Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.  

Always look down and behind before and while 

back ing.

• 

Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid 

discharging material against a wall or obstruction. 

Material may ricochet back toward the operator. Stop 

the blades when crossing gravel surfaces.

• 

Do not operate machine without the entire grass catcher, 

discharge chute, or other safety devices in place and 

working.

WARNING:  In order to prevent ac ci den tal 

starting when setting up, trans port ing, 

ad just ing or making repairs, al ways 

dis con nect spark plug wire and place 

wire where it can not contact spark plug. 

WARNING:  Do not coast down a hill in neu-

tral, you may lose control of the tractor.

WARNING:  Tow only the attachments that 

are rec om mend ed by and comply with 

spec i fi ca tions of the man u fac tur er of your 

tractor. Use common sense when towing. 

Operate only at the low est possible speed 

when on a slope.  Too heavy of a load, 

while on a slope, is dan ger ous.  Tires 

can lose trac tion with the ground and 

cause you to lose control of your tractor.

WARNING

Engine exhaust, some of its con stit u ents, and cer tain 

vehicle com po nents contain or emit chem i cals 

known to the State of Cal i for nia to cause can cer 

and birth de fects or oth er re pro duc tive harm.

WARNING

Battery posts, terminals and related ac ces so ries 

contain lead and lead compounds, chem i cals known 

to the State of Cal i for nia to cause can cer and birth 

defects or oth er re pro duc tive harm. Wash hands 

after handling.

•  Slow down before turning.

•  Never leave a running machine unattended.  Always 

turn off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and 

remove keys before dismounting.

•  Disengage blades when not mowing. Shut off engine 

and wait for all parts to come to a complete stop before 

cleaning the machine, removing the grass catcher, or 

unclogging the discharge chute.

•  Operate machine only in daylight or good artificial 

light.

•  Do not operate the machine while under the influence 

of alcohol or drugs.

•  Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing 

road ways.

• 

Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine 

into a trailer or truck.

•  Always wear eye protection when operating 

machine.

• 

Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and 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 them selves and others from serious injury.

•  Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for wheel 

weights or counterweights.

•  Keep machine free of grass , leaves or other debris 

build-up which can touch hot exhaust / engine parts 

and burn. Do not allow the mower deck to plow leaves

or other debris which can cause build-up to occur. 

Clean any oil or fuel spillage before operating or storing 

the machine. Allow machine to cool before storage.

II. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and 

tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or 

death.  Operation on all slopes requires extra caution.  If 

you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, 

do not mow it.
•  Mow up and down slopes, not across.

•  Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden 

objects.  Uneven terrain could overturn the machine.  

Tall grass can hide obstacles.

•  Choose a low ground speed so that you will not have 

to stop or shift while on the slope.

•  Do not mow on wet grass. Tires may lose traction.

Always keep the machine in gear when going down 

slopes. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.

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

tires lose traction,  disengage the blades and proceed 

slowly straight down the slope.

•  Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual.  

Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction, 

which could cause the machine to roll over.

•  Use extra care while operating machine with grass 

catchers or other at tach ments; they can affect the 

stability of the machine. Do no use on steep slopes.

• 

Do not  try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot 

on the ground.

• 

Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.  

The machine could suddenly roll over if a wheel is over 

the edge or if the edge caves in.