Owner`s manual

MPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructionscould result in
serious injury or death.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow aiI
instructionsin the manual and on the
machine before starting.
• Only allow responsibleadults, who are
familiar withthe instructions,to operate
the machine.
• Clear the area of objectssuchas rooks,
toys,wire, etc., which couldbe picked
up and thrown by the blade.
• Be sure the area is clear of other paopte
before mowing. 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.
• Be aware of the mower discharge
directionand do not point it at anyone.
Do not operate the mower without either
the entiregrass catcher orthe guard in
place.
• Slow down before turning.
• Never leave a running machine
unattended. Always tum off blades, set
parking brake, stopengine, and remove
keys before dismounting.
• Turn off blades when not mowing.
• Stop engine before removinggrass
catcher or uncloggingchute.
• Mow only in daylightor good artificial
light.
• Do not operate the machine whits under
the influenceof alcohol or drugs.
• Watch fortrefficwhen operating near or
crossing roadways.
• Use extra care when loading or unload-
ing the machine into a trailer or truck.
• Data indicatesthat operators,age 60
years and above, are involvedin a large
percentage of ridingmower-related
injuries. These operators should
evaluate their abilityto operate the riding
mower safelyenough to protectthem-
serves and othersfromserious injury.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves or
other debris build-upwhich can touch
hot exhaust / engine parts and bern. DO
net allow the mower deck to prowleaves
or other debds whichcan cause build-
up to occur. Clean any oil or fuel
spillagebefore operating or storingthe
machine. Allow machine to cool before
storage.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-
controland tipover accidents,whichcan re-
sult in severe in ury or death. All slopes
require extra caution, f you cannot back up
the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not
mow it.
DO:
• Mow up and down slopes, not across.
• Remove obstacles suchas rocks,tree
limbs,etc.
• Watch forholes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven
terrain could overturn the machine. Ta/I
grass can hide obstac/as.
• Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so
thatyou willnot have to stopor shift
while on the slope.
• Follow the manufacturer'srecommenda-
tionsfor wheel weights or counter-
weights to improve stability.
• Use extra care with grass catchers or
other attachments. These can change
the stabilityof the machine.
• Keep all movement on the slopes slow
and gradual. Do not make sudden
changes in speed or direction.
• Avoidstarting or stoppingon a slope, if
tires lose traction, disengage the blades
and proceed slowly straightdown the
slope.
DO NOT:
• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary,
and then, turn slowly and gradually
downhill, it possible.
• Do not mow near drop-offs,ditches,or
embankments. The mower could
suddenly turnover if a wheel is over the
edge of a clifforditch, or ifan edge
caves in.
• Do eetmow on wet grass. Reduced
traction could cause sliding.
• Do not try tostabilizethe machine by
puffingyour foot on the ground.
• Do not use grass catcher on steep
slopes.