5
Protection against Tipovers
(Continued From Previous Column)
7. Keep people and pets out of mowing area. Immediately
STOP blades, STOP engine, and STOP machine if anyone
enters the area.
8. Check shields, deflectors, switches, blade controls and
other safety devices frequently for proper operation and
location.
9. Make sure all safety decals are clearly legible. Replace if
damaged.
10. Protect yourself when mowing and wear safety glasses,
a dust mask, long pants and substantial footwear.
11. Know how to STOP blades and engine quickly in prepa-
ration for emergencies.
12. Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine
into a trailer or truck.
13. Check grass catcher components frequently for signs of
wear or deterioration and replace as needed to prevent
injury from thrown objects going through weak or worn
spots.
Safe Handling of Gasoline
To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme
care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable
and the vapors are explosive.
1. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources
of ignition.
2. Use only an approved fuel container.
3. DO NOT remove fuel cap or add fuel with the engine run-
ning. Allow the engine to cool before refueling.
4. DO NOT refuel the machine indoors.
5. DO NOT store the machine or fuel container inside where
there is an open flame, spark or pilot light such as on a
water heater or other appliances.
6. DO NOT fill fuel containers inside a vehicle or on a truck
or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place the contain-
ers on the ground away from the vehicle before filling.
7. Remove gas-powered equipment from the vehicle or
trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible,
then refuel equipment using a portable container, rather
than a gasoline dispenser nozzle.
8. DO NOT start gas powered equipment in enclosed vehi-
cles or trailers.
9. 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
10. If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediate-
ly.
11. Never overfill a fuel tank. Replace fuel cap and tighten
securely.
Operation
1. Mount and dismount machine from left side. Keep clear
of discharge opening at all times.
2. Start engine from operator’s seat, if possible. Make sure
blades are OFF and parking brake is set.
3. DO NOT leave machine with engine running. STOP
engine, STOP blades, SET brake, and Remove key before
leaving operators position of any reason.
4. DO NOT operate machine unless properly seated with
feet on feet rests or pedal(s).
5. STOP BLADES and ENGINE and make sure blades have
stopped before removing grass catcher or unclogging
mower to prevent loss of fingers or hand.
6. Blades must be OFF except when cutting grass. Set
blades in highest position when mowing over rough
ground.
7. Keep hands and feet away from rotating blades under-
neath deck. DO NOT place foot on ground while BLADES
are ON or machine is in motion.
8. DO NOT operate machine without entire grass catcher or
guards in place and working. DO NOT point discharge at
people, passing cars, windows or doors.
9. Slow down before turning.
10. Watch out for traffic when near or crossing roadways.
11. STOP engine immediately after striking an obstruction.
Inspect machine and repair damage before resuming opera-
tion.
12. Operate machine only in daylight or with good artificial
light.
13. Exercise CAUTION when pulling loads. Limit loads to
those you can safely control and attach loads to hitch plate
as specified with attachment instructions.
14. On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may
cause loss of traction and loss of control. When towing,
travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.
15. DO NOT operate engine in enclosed areas. Engine
exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, a deadly poison.
16. DO NOT discharge material against a wall or obstruc-
tion. Material may ricochet back towards the operator.
17. Only use accessories approved by the manufacturer.
See manufacturer’s instructions for proper operation and
installation of accessories.
Operator Safety
Not
for
Reproduction
