2
SAFETY RULES
DANGER:
THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CA PA BLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOL LOW ING 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
instructions, to operate the machine.
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc.
which could be picked up and thrown by the blade.
• 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 backing.
• Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid
discharging material against a wall or obstruction. Ma-
terial may ricochet back toward the operator. Stop the
blade when crossing gravel surfaces.
• Do not operate machine without the entire grass catcher,
discharge chute, or other safety devices in place and
working.
• Slow down before turning.
• Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn
off blade, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove
keys before dismounting.
• Disengage blade 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
themselves and others from serious injury.
• 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 (15° Max), 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.
• If machine stops while going uphill, disengage blade,
shift into reverse, and back down slowly.
• Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If the tires
lose traction, disengage the blade 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 catch-
ers or other attachments; 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.
WARNING: Do not coast down a hill
in neutral, you may lose control of the
riding mower.
WARNING: In order to prevent ac ci den tal
starting when setting up, trans port ing,
ad just ing or making repairs, always
dis con nect spark plug wire and place
wire where it can not contact spark plug.
WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of
its constituents, and certain 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 defects or
oth er re pro duc tive harm.
WARNING: This unit is not intended for
towing, or use of wheel weights. Only
use attachments designed specifically
for this riding mower.
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds, chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects or other reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling.
