SAFETY RULES
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Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
IMPORTANT: THIS CU'I-rING 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, and follow all instructions in the manual
and on the machine before starting.
• Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the
instruCtions,to operate the machine.
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc.,
which could be picked up and thrown by the blade.
Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing.
Stop machine ifanyone enters the area.
• Never carry passengers.
Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always
lookdown and behind before and while backing.
• Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point
it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without either the
entire grass catcher or the guard in place.
• Slow down before turning.
• Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn
off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys
before dismounting,
• Turn off blades when not mowing.
Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging
chute.
• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
• Do not operate the machine while under the influence of
alcohot or drugs.
• Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing
roadways.
• Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into
a trailer or truck.
• Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above, are
involvedina large percentage of ridingmower-relatedinjudes.
These operators should evaluate their ability to operate the
ridingmower safely enough to protectthemselves and others
from sedous injury.
Keep machine free of grass, leaves or other debds build-up
which can touch hotexhaust / engine parts and bum. Do not
allow the mower deck to plow leaves or other debds 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 related to loss-of-control and
tipover accidents, which can result in severe injury ordeath.
All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back up the
slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.
DO:
• Mow up and down slopes, not across.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks,tree limbs, etc.
• Watchfer holos, ruts,orbumps. U nevanterrain could overturn
the machine. Tallgrass can hide obstacles.
• Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that youwill not have
to stop or shift while on the slope.
• FoUowthe manufacturer's recommendations forwhealweights
or counterweights to improve stability.
• Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments.
These can change the stability of the machine.
• Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not
make sudden changes in speed or direction.
• Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction,
disengage the blades and proceed slowly straightdown the
slope.
DO NOT:
• Donotturnonslopesunlessnecessary,andthen,turnslowly
andgraduallydownhill,ifpossible.
• DOnotmowneardrop-offs,ditches,orembankments.The
mowercouldsuddenlyturnoverif a wheel is overthe edge
ofaclifforditch,orifan edgecavesin.
• Do not mow on wet grass.Reduced tractioncouldcause
sliding.
• Donot try to stabilizethe machineby puttingyourfoot on
the ground.
Do notusegrasscatcheron steepslopes.
III. 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 willremain where you last saw them.
Keepchildrenoutofthemowingareaandunderthewatchful
care of anotherresponsibleadult.
• Bealertandturnmachineoffif children enterthearea.
• Beforeandwhenbacking,lookbehind and down for small
children.
• Nevercarry children. They may fall off and be sedously
injuredorinterferewithsafemachineoperation.
• Neverallow childrento operatethe machine.
• Use extra care when approachingblind corners,shrubs,
trees,or otherobjectsthat mayobscure vision.
IV, SERVICE
• Useextracare inhandlinggasolineand otherfuels. They
areflammable andvaporsare explosive.
Useonlyanapprovedcontainer.
Neverremovegascaporaddfuelwiththeenginerunning.
Allowenginetocoolbefore refueling.Do notsmoke.
Neverrefuelthemachineindoors.
Neverstorethe machineorfuelcontainerinsidewhere
there isan openflame, suchasa waterheater.
• Neverruna machineinsidea closedarea.
Keepnutsandbelts,especiallyblade attachmentbolts,tight
andkeepequipmentingoodcondition.
• Nevertamperwithsafetydevicss.Checktheirproperoperation
regafady.
• Keepmachinefree of _.rass,leaves,or otherdebdsbuild-
up.Cleanoilorfuelspillage,Allowmachinetocoolbefore
stodng.
• Stopandinspecttheequipmontifyoustdkeanobject.Repair,
ifnecessary,beforerestarting.
• Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine
running.
• Grasscatcher componentsare subjectto wear, damage,
and deterioration,which could expose moving parts or
allowobjects to be thrown. Frequentlycheckcomponents
andreplacewithmanufacturer'srecommendedparts,when
necessary.
• Mowerbladesaresharpand can cut. Wrapthe blade(s) or
weargloves,anduse extracaution whenservicing them.
• Checkbrakeoperationfrequently.Adjustand service as
required.
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