1. Safety Rules
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
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.
EngI. TrainingBefore attempting to start the engine, disengage all blade
attachment clutches and shift into neutral.
Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the
controls and the proper use of the equipment.Do not use on slopes of more than 10°.
Never allow children or people unfamiliar with the ins-Remember there is no such thing as a ?safe? slope. Travel
tructions to use the lawnmower. Local regulations mayon grass slopes requires particular care. To guard
restrict the age of the operator.against overturning;
Never mow while people, especially children, or pets are- do not stop or start suddenly when going up or
nearby.downhill;
Keep in mind that the operator or user is responsible for- engage clutch slowly, always keep machine in gear,
accidents or hazards occurring to other people or theirespecially when traveling downhill;
property.- machine speeds should be kept low on slopes and
during tight turns;
All drivers should seek and obtain professional and
practical instruction. Such instruction should empha-- stay alert for humps and hollows and other hidden
size:hazards;
- the need for care and concentration when working- never mow across the face of the slope, unless the
with ride-on machines;lawnmower is designed for this purpose.
- control of a ride-on machine sliding on a slope willUse care when pulling loads or using heavy equipment.
not be regained by the application of the brake.- Use only approved drawbar hitch points.
The main reasons for loss of control are:- Limit loads to those you can safely control.
a) insufficient wheel grip;- Do not turn sharply. Use care when reversing.
b) being driven too fast;- Use counterweight(s) or wheel weights when sug-
c) inadequate braking;gested in the instruction handbook.
d) the type of machine is unsuitable for its task;Watch out for traffic when crossing or near roadways.
e) lack of awareness of the effect of groundStop the blades from rotating before crossing surfaces
conditions,especially slopes;other than grass.
f) incorrect hitching and load distribution.When using any attachments, never direct discharge of
material toward bystanders nor allow anyone near the
machine while in operation.
II. Preparation
While mowing, always wear substantial footwear andNever operate the lawnmower with defective guards,
long trousers. Do not operate the equipment whenshields or without safety protective devices in place.
barefoot or wearing open sandals.Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed
Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is tothe engine. Operating the engine at excessive speed
be used and remove all objects which may be thrown bymay increase the hazard of personal injury.
the machine.Before leaving the operator?s position:
WARNING - Petrol is highly flammable.- disengage the power take-off and lower the attach-
- Store fuel in containers specifically designed for thisments;
purpose.- change into neutral and set the parking brake;
- Refuel outdoors only and do not smoke while refu-- stop the engine and remove the key.
eling.
Disengage drive to attachments, stop the engine, and
- Add fuel before starting the engine. Never removedisconnect the spark plug wire(s) or remove the ignition
the cap of the fuel tank or add petrol while the enginekey
is running or when the engine is hot.
- before cleaning blockages or unclogging chute;
- If petrol is spilled, do not attempt to start the engine
- before checking, cleaning or working on the
but move the machine away from the area of spillage
lawnmower;
and avoid creating any source of ignition until petrol
vapors have dissipated.- after striking a foreign object. Inspect the lawnmower
for damage and make repairs before restarting and
- Replace all fuel tanks and container caps securely.
operating the equipment;
Replace faulty silencers.
- if the machine starts to vibrate abnormally (check
Before using, always visually inspect to see that theimmediately).
blades, blade bolts and cutter assembly are not worn or
Disengage drive to attachments when transporting or not
damaged. Replace worn or damaged blades and bolts
in use.
in sets to preserve balance.
Stop the engine and disengage drive to attachment
On multi-bladed machines, take care as rotating one
blade can cause other blades to rotate.- before refueling;
- before removing the grass catcher;
III. Operation- before making height adjustment unless adjust-
ment can be made from the operator?s position.
Do not operate the engine in a confined space where
dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.Reduce the throttle setting during engine run-out and, if
the engine is provided with a shut-off valve, turn the fuel
Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
off at the conclusion of mowing.
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