Safety Instructions
11
6. Do not wear loose fitting clothing that could get
caught in moving parts. Do not operate this
machine while wearing shorts; always wear
adequate protective clothing, including long
pants. Wearing safety glasses, safety shoes,
and a helmet is advisable and required by some
local ordinances and insurance regulations.
7.
Prolonged exposure to loud noise can cause im-
pairment or loss of hearing. Operator hearing
protection is recommended; particularly for
continuous operation of the GHS Model due to
blower noise level. Wear a suitable hearing pro-
tective device, such as earmuffs or earplugs.
8. Keep all protective shields and safety de-
vices in place. If a protective shield, safety
device, or decal is damaged, unusable, or miss-
ing, repair or replace it before operating the
machine.
9. Be sure interlock switches are functioning
correctly, so the engine cannot be started un-
less the Forward Speed Control lever is in the
NEUTRAL-PARK position, and the PTO clutch
is in the DISENGAGED position. Also, the en-
gine should stop if the operator lifts off the seat
with the PTO clutch in the ENGAGED position.
10. Handle gasoline with care. Gasoline is highly
flammable and its vapors are explosive:
a.
Use an approved fuel container.
b.
Never add fuel to a running engine or hot
engine (allow hot engine to cool several
minutes).
c.
Keep matches, cigarettes, cigars, pipes,
open flames, or sparks away from the fuel
tank and fuel container.
d.
Always fill the fuel tank outdoors using care.
Fill to about one inch from the top of the tank.
Use a funnel or spout to prevent spilling.
e.
Replace the machine fuel cap and container
cap securely and clean up any spilled fuel
before starting the engine.
11. Never attempt to make any adjustments
while the engine is running, except where spe-
cifically instructed to do so.
12. The electrical system battery contains sulfuric
acid. Avoid any contact with skin, eyes, and
clothing. Keep the battery and acid out of reach
of children.
OPERATING
1. Operate the mower only in daylight or in
good artificial light with good visibility of the area
being mowed.
2. Sit on the seat when starting the engine and
operating the machine. Keep feet on the deck
footrests at all times when the tractor is moving
and/or mower blades are operating.
3. For a beginning operator, learn to steer (ma-
neuver) the tractor with a slow engine speed
before attempting any mowing operation. Be
aware that, with the front mounted mower con-
figuration, the back of the tractor swings to the
outside during turns.
4. Remember, for an emergency stop, the forward
motion of the tractor can always be stopped by
pulling the Forward Speed Control (FSC) into
the NEUTRAL-PARK position.
5. Disengage the blade clutch and put the FSC in
the NEUTRAL-PARK position before starting
the engine (an ignition interlock switch normally
prevents starting of the machine if these con-
trols are in the OPERATING position).
6. Do not run the engine in a confined area with-
out adequate ventilation. Exhaust fumes are
hazardous and can be deadly.
7. Do not carry passengers - maximum seating
capacity is one (1) person.
8. Watch for holes, rocks, and roots in the terrain
and for other hidden hazards. When mowing tall
grass, mow higher than desired to expose any
hidden obstacles. Then, clean the area and
mow to the desired height.
9. Avoid sudden starts or stops. Before backing
the machine up, look to the rear to be sure no
one is behind the machine. Watch carefully for
traffic when crossing or working near roadways.
