Operating Guide

Avoid Injury From Tipping
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● Do not drive where machine could slip, tip, or rollover.
● In some congurations, do not drive or operate on a slope of more
than 10 degrees.
● Refer to the Operating on Slopes section for more information.
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Avoid Injury From Thrown Objects
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● Keep a safe distance from the machine as long as the engine is
running.
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Avoid Injury from Equipment Fires
MXT018019—UN—04MAY16
● Avoid equipment res.
● Accumulation of grass, leaves, and debris on or near hot or moving
parts can cause a re.
● Inspect and clean the entire machine before, during and after use.
● Shut o󰀨 engine and allow machine to cool before cleaning.
● Carefully read operator’s manual Machine Cleanout section for
details.
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Safety
Use Your Mower Safely
General Instructions
● Read this operator’s manual, watch the safety video, and review
the safety signs on your machine before use. They all contain
important safety information and operating instructions that must be
followed to help keep you and others safe. Be sure everyone who
uses the machine has read the manual, reviewed the safety signs,
and knows how to use the machine safely and properly.
● Age, physical ability, and mental capacity can be factors in
equipment-related injuries. Operators must be mentally and
physically capable of operating the machine properly and safely.
Never allow a child to operate the machine.
● Do not operate the machine while under the inuence of alcohol or
drugs or when distracted or fatigued. Proper operation requires
your full attention.
● Always wear eye protection, hearing protection, close-tting
clothing, and substantial footwear while operating the machine.
Never operate while wearing sandals or when barefoot.
● Do not wear radio or music headphones. Both safe operation and
service require your full attention.
● Never tamper with safety devices.
● Operate the machine only in daylight or good articial light.
● Only operate the engine in well-ventilated areas. Exhaust gasses
contain carbon monoxide, a deadly poison.
● Never leave a running machine unattended.
● Look both ways when approaching roadways and use caution
when turning around on public roadways. You can be struck by a
vehicle and su󰀨er serious injury or death.
Before Using Your Machine
● Know how to operate the machine. The Operating Controls section
helps you understand the controls of your machine and what they
do.
● Prepare your machine and the mowing area by performing required
daily checks outlined in the General Instructions section.
● Follow instructions in the Preventing Injuries section, especially
related to:
- Keeping children safe by following instructions in the Protect
Children section.
- Avoiding injury on slopes and near terrain hazards by following
instructions in the Operating on Slopes and Near Terrain
Hazards section.
- Follow the instructions in the Avoid Thrown Objects section, and
keep all guards in place, including discharge chute.
- Cleaning machine during use and before storing as outlined in
the Prevent Fires section.
● Understand how to service and inspect your machine.
Inspection and Daily Checklist
● Inspect machine before you operate. Be sure that hardware is tight,
and all guards and shields are in good condition and fastened in
place. Make all necessary adjustments before you operate. Repair
or replace damaged, badly worn, or missing parts.
● Visually inspect that mower blades, blade bolts, and the mower
assembly are not worn or damaged. To prevent machine damage,
replace worn or damaged blades and bolts in sets.
● Make sure that the fuel cap and air cleaner are in place before
starting engine.
Fuel
● Use care when handling fuel. Fuel is ammable and fuel vapors can
be explosive. Do not smoke when handling fuel. Only use an
approved fuel container. Clean up spilled fuel immediately.
● Check fuel lines, tank, cap, and ttings frequently for cracks or
leaks. Replace if necessary.
Check the Mowing Area
● Keep bystanders and pets out of the mowing area.
● Clear the area of objects such as rocks, wire, or toys, which can be
thrown by the blades. Remove low-hanging branches or other
obstacles, which can interfere with your travel path.
Safety
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