Use and Care Manual

Safety
Operating Safely
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This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions
could result in serious injury or death.
• Read, understand and follow all instructions on the machine and in
manuals provided, and view safety video, before starting. Be
thoroughly familiar with the controls and the proper use of the
machine 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 this machine. Local regulations may restrict the age of the
operator.
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, wire and toys which could
be thrown by the blades.
• 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. Material may ricochet back
toward the operator. Stop the blades when crossing gravel surfaces.
• Do not operate the machine without the entire grasscatcher,
discharge guard, or other safety devices in place and working. Never
operate with the discharge deector raised, removed, or altered,
unless using a grasscatcher.
• Slow down before turning.
• Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off blades,
lock park brake, stop engine and remove key before dismounting.
• Disengage blades when not mowing. Shut off engine and wait for all
parts to come to a complete stop before cleaning the machine,
removing the grasscatcher, or unclogging the discharge chute.
• Operate machine only in daylight or good articial light.
• Do not operate the machine while under the inuence of alcohol or
drugs.
• Watch for trafc when operating near or crossing roadways. Stop
blades before crossing roads or sidewalks.
• Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer
or truck.
• Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields when
operating machine.
• Data indicates operators 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.
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for wheel weights or
counterweights.
• Inspect machine before you operate. Be sure hardware is tight.
Repair or replace damaged, badly worn, or missing parts. Be sure
guards and shields are in good condition and fastened in place.
Make any necessary adjustments before you operate.
• Before using, always visually inspect to see that the blades, blade
bolts and the mower assembly are not worn and damaged. Replace
worn and damaged blades and bolts in sets to preserve balance.
• Make sure spark plug, mufer, fuel cap and air cleaner are in place
before starting the engine.
• Be sure all drives are in neutral and parking brake is locked before
starting engine. Only start engine from the operator’s position.
• Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed the
engine. Operating the engine at excessive speed can increase the
hazard of personal injury.
• If you hit an object or if abnormal vibration occurs, stop the machine
and inspect it. Make repairs before you operate.
• Use only accessories and attachments approved by the
manufacturer of the machine. Keep safety labels visible when
installing accessories and attachments.
• Do not wear radio or music headphones. Safe service and operation
requires your full attention.
• When machine is left unattended, stored, or parked, lower the
mower deck unless a positive mechanical lock is used.
Using a Spark Arrestor
The California Public Resources Code, section 4442.5 provides as
follows:
No person shall sell, offer for sale, lease, or rent to any person any
internal combustion engine subject to Section 4442 or 4443, and not
subject to Section 13005 of the Health and Safety Code, unless the
person provides a written notice to the purchaser or bailee, at the time
of sale or at the time of entering into the lease or rental contract, stating
that it is a violation of Section 4442 or 4443 to use or operate the engine
on any forest-covered, brush-covered, or grass-covered land unless
the engine is equipped with a spark arrestor, as dened in Section
4442, maintained in effective working order or the engine is
constructed, equipped, and maintained for the prevention of re
pursuant to Section 4443. Cal. Pub. Res. Code 4442.5.
Other states or jurisdictions may have similar laws. A spark arrestor for
your machine may be available from your authorized dealer. An
installed spark arrestor must be maintained in good working order by
the operator.
Checking Mowing Area
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• Clear mowing area of objects that might be thrown. Keep people and
pets out of mowing area.
• Low-hanging branches and similar obstacles can injure the operator
or interfere with mowing operation. Before mowing, identify potential
obstacles such as low-hanging branches, and trim or remove those
obstacles.
• Study mowing area. Set up a safe mowing pattern. Do not mow
where traction or stability is doubtful.
• Test drive area with mower lowered (if equipped) but not running.
Slow down when you travel over rough ground.
• Survey all mowing sites to determine which slopes are safe for
machine operation and which slopes should be maintained through
other maintenance techniques.
Parking Safely
1. Stop machine on a level surface, not on a slope.
2. Disengage mower blades or any other attachments.
3. Lower attachments to the ground.
Safety
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