Safety Precautions (Continued)
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose
traction, disengage mower clutch and proceed slowly
straight down the slope. If you must stop when going
up the slope and can not safely back down: for gear
drive models, depress clutch/brake pedal, disengage
mower clutch, place travel speed selector in first gear
(low speed) and slowly release the clutch/ brake
pedal.
For hydro models depress clutch/brake pedal only if
necessary, disengage mower clutch, slowly release
clutch brake pedal and slowly engage the forward
pedal.
Do Not
Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then,
turn slowly and gradually, downhill, if possible.
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or
embankments. The mower could suddenly turn over
if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an
edge caves in.
Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could
cause sliding.
Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your
foot on the ground.
Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.
Children
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert
to the presence of children. Children are often
attracted to the machine and the mowing activity.
Never assume that children will remain where you
last saw them.
Keep children out of the mowing area and under the
watchful care of another responsible adult.
Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the
area.
Before and when backing, look behind and down for
small children.
Never carry children, even when attachments are off.
They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere
with safe machine operation.
Never allow children to operate the machine.
Use extra care when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure
vision.
Service
Do not change engine governor setting or over speed
the engine.
Replace damaged or worn out muffler immediately.
Continued use could result in fire or explosion.
Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels.
They are flammable and vapors are explosive.
Use only an approved container.
Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the
engine running. Allow engine to cool before
refueling. Do not smoke. Wipe off any
spilled gasoline and allow vapors to dissipate
before starting engine.
Replace fuel tank cap and container cap
securely.
Never refuel the machine indoors.
Never store the machine or fuel container
inside where there is an open flame, such as
in a water heater.
Never run a machine inside a closed area. Exhaust
fumes contain carbon monoxide an odorless and
deadly gas.
Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment
bolts, tight and keep equipment in good condition.
Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly. See page 7 for safety interlock
check.
Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris
build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine
to cool before storing.
Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an
object. Repair any damage before restarting.
Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine
running or when engine and exhaust parts are hot
from operation.
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