Lawn Mower User Manual

SAFETY RULES
& s.FEoPE...o.P..C CESFO...OE N.OW .S
IMPORTANT: 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.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand,andfollowallinstructionsinthe manual
and onthe machine before starting.
• Only allow responsible adults,who are familiar with the
instructions,to operate the machine.
• Clear the area of objectssuch as rocks,toys, wire, etc.,
which could be picked up and thrown bythe blade.
• Be surethe area isclear of otherpeople before mowing.
Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
• Never carrypassengers.
- Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
Always lookdown and behind before and while backing.
• Beaware of the mowerdischargedirectionanddonotpoint
itat anyone. Do notoperate the mowerwithouteither the
entire grass catcher or the guard inplace.
• Slowdown beforeturning.
• Never leave a runningmachine unattended. Always turn
off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove
keys before dismounting.
• Turn Offblades when not mowing.
• Stopengine before removing grasscatcheror unclogging
chute.
• Mow onlyin daylightor good artificiallight.
• Do notoperate the machine while underthe influenceof
alcohol or drugs.
• Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing read-
ways.
• Useextra carewhen k;ading orunloadingthemachineinto
a trailer or truck.
• Data indicatesthatoperators, age60 yearsand 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 them-
selves and others from sedous injury.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves or other debds build-
upwhich can touch hot exhaust / engine parts and bum.
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 relatedto loss-of-control and tipover
accidentswhichcan resultin severe injuryor death. Allslopes
requireextracaution.Ifyoucannotback upthe slopeorifyoufee
uneasyon it,donotmowit.
DO:
• Mow up and downslopes, notacross.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks,tree limbs,etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overfum the machine. Tallgrass can hide obstacles.
• Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will not
have to stop or shiftwhile on the slope.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel
weights orcounterweights to improvestability.
• Use extra care withgrass catchersorother attachments.
These can change the stabilityofthe machine.
• Keep allmovement on the slopes slowand gradual. Do
not make sudden changes inspeed or direction.
2
• Avoidstartingor stopping ona slope. Iftires losetraction,
disengage the blades and proceedslowly straightdown
the slope.
DO NOT:
• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn
slowlyand gradually downhill,if possible.
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.
The mower could suddenlytum overit awheel isover the
edge of a cliffor ditch, or if an edge caves in.
• Do notmow onwet grass. Reduced tractioncould cause
sliding.
• Donottrytostabilizethemachinebyputtingyourfooton
theground.
• Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.
III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the
machine andthe mowingactivity. Neverassume thatchildren
will remain where you last saw them.
• Keep children out of the mowing area and under the
watchful care of another responsibleadult.
• Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area,
• Beforeandwhenbacking, leekhehindanddownforsmall
children.
• Never carry children. They may falloff and be sedously
injuredor interferewithsafe machine opera'don.
• Never allowchildrentooperatethe machine.
• Use extra care when approaching blindcomers, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscurevision.
IV. SERVICE
• Useextracare inhandlinggasolineand otherfuels. They
are flammable and vapors are explosive.
- Use only an approved container.
- Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allowengine to cool before refueling. Do not
smoke.
- Never refuel the machine indoors.
- Never store the machine or fuelcontainerinside where
there is an open flame, such as a water heater.
• Never run a machine insidea closedarea.
• Keep nutsand bolts,especially blade attachment bolts,
tightand keep equipment ingoodcondition.
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operationregularly.
• Keep machine free of grass, leeves,orotherdebrisbuild-
up. Clean oilorfuel spillage.Allowmachine tocool before
storing.
• Stop and inspect the equipment ifyou stdke an object.
Repair, ifnecessary, before restarting.
• Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine
running.
• Grasscatcher componentsaresubjecttowear, damage,
and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or
allowobjectstobe thrown. FrequentJycheckcompenents
and replace with manufacturer's recommended pads,
when necessary.
• Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s)
or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing
them.
• Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service
as required.