SAFE MOWING GUIDE
speed. Also, the grass catcher willf unction
better when the engine is operating at
maximum speed. On slopes, decrease the
ground speed and use care making sure
mower feels safe to operate.
Ifthe weather conditions are bad, do not
mow. If weather conditions become bad,
stop cutting and finish later. It is dangerous
to cut grass inthe rain. Always find protec-
tion in an electrical storm. If the weather
conditions are extra dry, protect your eyes
with safety glasses from the dust and from
the objects discharged by the mower. Also,
a dust or a pollen mask can help.
Your mower is equipped with a number of
safety devices which are important to the
safety of the operator and bystanders and
must never be changed or removed from
the mower. If a safety device is lost,
damaged or no longer functions, repair or
replace the device before you operate the
mower.
Itisbest to mow during the day. If you must
mow at night, make sure there is enough
light for safe operation.
Your mower will require regular mainte-
nance and service. The maintenance
schedule depends on the hours of use.
Also, mowing conditions can change the
schedule. Check the Owner's/Operator's
Manual for more information. Correct main-
tenance will help the mower function safely.
Do not service the mower
(except for the carburetor
adjustment) while the en-
gine is running. Before il_,l
you service the un t, even I_
with the engine stopped, Itl
always disconnect thewire
from the spark plug to pre-
vent the engine from start-
ing.
If you hit a large object during operation,
stop the engine. Remove the wire from the
sparkplug. Carefully inspect the mower for
damage. Before you start the engine again,
make the necessary repairs. If you feel
new or excessive vibration, immediately
stop the engine and check for the problem.
Vibration can be a warning of a problem,
Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight.
The blade isthe most dangerous part of the
mower. Frequently check the blade and
the blade mounting fasteners. Keep the
fasteners tight. If the blade hits a solid
object, stop the engine. Remove the wire
from the spark plug. Check for ablade that
is bent, cracked or for other damages.
Before you start the engine, replace the
damaged blade. For safety, replace the
blade every two years.
A sharp blade decreases the work load on
the engine and more evenly cuts grass.
Frequently sharpen the blade for a better
looking cut. Use the left side of the mower
deck to trim near an object.
A grass catcher is a good a accessory for
your mower. For best performance and
safety, make sure the grass catcher is
approved for use with your mower. Follow
the assembly and operation instructions
included with the grass catcher.
Some grass catchers require a special
blade for best performance. Before you
attach, check, or empty the grass catcher,
always stopthe engine. Beforeeach useof
the grass catcher, check for cracks, wear or
deterioration. Before you use the grass
catcher, replace a damaged part with a
replacement part approved by the factory.
For you to have a good green lawn, follow
the mowing procedures below. Do not cut
the grass too short. Ifyou cut the grass to
short you can cause the grass to become
yellow or make the lawn look brown. Use
a lower height of cut in cool months when
the grass isthicker. Raise the height of cut
in hot dry periods, if you cut the grass with
ablade that is not sharp or at aslow engine
speed you can damage the grass. Move
the throttle control to the FAST position
when mowing and using the grass catcher.
Also, use a slower ground speed when
using the grass catcher.
Ifyou change the direction or pattern ofcut
slightly every time you mow will make the
grass grow stronger and thicker. Do not
add oil or gasoline to the mower while on
the lawn. Spilled oilor gasoline can kill the
grass. In high or thick grass, do not try to
cut all the grass the first time. Raise the
height of cut on the first cutting and lower
the heightfor the next cutting Anotherway
isto cut only part of the width of the mower
and decrease your ground speed (not the
engine) to move more slowly so that the
mower can discharge thegrass asit moves
forward.
Understand the controls and how they
work. Learn the ground speed(s) of your
mower. Check the stopping distance re-
quired at different travel speeds. Check
the turning radius of the mower. The
controls on your riding mower are different
from an automobile. The throttle is oper-
ated by hand and holds the engine speed
constant until it ischanged. The location of
the shift lever andthe shift pattern is differ-
ent from that of an automobile. Also, the
brake and clutch systems are different.
Remember the procedures to follow in an
emergency. Remember, turning off the
ignition switch will stop the blade and the
drive mechanism. If the traction of the
wheels is lost or does not feel safe, disen-
gage all systems and stop the engine.
Dismount from the mower. Pushthe unifto
a safe place before you begin mowing
again.
Your unit has an electrical system that
includes an seat switch in the seat. The
seat switch detects ifthe operator is sitting
on the seat. The engine will stop if the
operator leaves the seat when the blade
engagement control is engaged. This seat
switch is a safety device only. Itmust not
regularly be used to stop the engine or the
blade. There are other control systems on
the mower for this purpose. Always keep
the seat switch and other safety devices
and controls in place and operating for your
protection.
Remember, your mower is a tool that can
be dangerous if it is not correctly used.
Follow the instructions in this Owner's/
Operator's Manual. Safe and careful use
of the mower willgive you ma_,_,safe hours
of problem free use.