Operating Guide

edge or if the edge breaks away, the machine can suddenly lose
traction, slide, and/or roll over.
● Hazards (A) include but are not limited to ditches, drop-o󰀨s,
embankments, or areas near bodies of water.
● Maintain a bu󰀨er area (B) at least as wide as the machine between
hazards (A) and the mowing area (C). Do not mow or operate the
machine in the hazard area or bu󰀨er area.
● Only mow or operate in the mowing area (C). Do not exceed the
recommended slope operating angle. Refer to the Slope Limits
section.
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Prevent Fires
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● Do not mow tall, dry grass or through piles of leaves. Combustible
materials can contact hot components and increase the risk of re.
● Debris can build up anywhere on the machine, especially on
horizontal surfaces. While using your machine, periodically check
for and remove debris, especially in dry or heavy debris conditions,
such as when collecting leaves.
● After operating, completely remove any combustible materials from
equipment before storing. Use compressed air, a leaf blower, or
water to keep the machine clean.
● Allow machine to cool in an open area before storing. Do not park
machine near ammable materials, such as straw, mulch, cloth, or
chemicals. Do not park near an open ame or other sources of
ignition, such as a water heater or furnace.
● Excess lubrication or fuel/oil leaks or spills on the machine can also
provide collection sites for debris. Promptly cleaning up spills and
repairing leaks reduces the potential for debris collection.
● Refer to the Machine Cleanout section for more information on
checking for debris buildup and locations to inspect.
● Always park the machine safely before cleaning or servicing a
machine. See the Parking Safely section.
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Parking Safely
Always apply the park brake and remove the key before leaving the
machine unattended. Children or others may attempt to move or
operate an unattended machine.
● Stop the machine on a level surface.
● Disengage mower blades or other attachments.
● Lower attachments to the ground.
● Apply the park brake.
● Stop the engine.
● Remove the key.
● Wait for engine and all moving parts to stop before you leave the
seat.
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Additional Safety Information
Towing Loads Safely
● Stopping distance increases with speed and weight of towed load.
Travel slowly and allow extra time and distance to stop.
● Total towed weight must not exceed Towing Capacity stated in
Specications of this manual.
● Excessive towed load can cause loss of traction and loss of control
on slopes. Reduce towed weight when operating on slopes.
● Never allow children or others in or on towed equipment.
● Use only approved hitches. Tow only with a machine that has a
hitch designed for towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at
the approved hitch point.
● Towed equipment increases the risk of rollover on slopes. Refer to
the Operating on Slopes and Near Terrain Hazards section for more
information.
● Do not turn sharply. Use additional caution when turning or
operating on adverse surface conditions. Use care when reversing.
Safe Transportation
Follow instructions in the Transporting Machine on Trailer section.
● Use a full-width loading ramp at least 30 cm (12 in) wider than the
machine, never two separate ramps.
Service and Maintenance
● Proper service and maintenance of the machine is essential.
● Keep all parts in good condition, keep all nuts and bolts tight, and
repair any damage immediately. Stop and inspect the machine
immediately if you strike an object.
● Ensure that all safety devices, discharge chute, and grass catcher
components are in good condition and replace when necessary.
● Understand service procedures thoroughly before working on the
machine. If you do not understand the service procedures or are
uncomfortable working in your machine, contact your servicing
dealer.
● Disconnect the battery or all spark plug wires before servicing the
machine. Disconnect negative terminal rst and positive last. Install
positive terminal rst and negative last.
● Some components could have stored energy in springs or hydraulic
components. Servicing procedures described in the Service section
describe how to perform service and maintenance tasks safely.
● Support any machine elements that must be raised for service
work. Use jack stands or service locks to support components
when needed.
Disposing of Waste Products and Chemicals
● Waste products, such as used oil, fuel, coolant, brake uid, and
batteries can harm the environment and people.
● Do not use beverage containers for waste uids – someone can
mistakenly drink from them.
● A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provides specic details on chemical
products: Physical and health hazards, safety procedures, and
emergency response techniques. The seller of the chemical
products used with your machine is responsible for providing the
SDS for that product.
● To learn how to recycle or properly dispose of waste products
generated from service, see your local recycling center or
authorized dealer. If you wish to discard the machine, contact your
local recycling center or authorized dealer.
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Safety
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