SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROW ING OBJECTS. FAILURE
TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
I. GENERAL OPERATION DO NOT:
" Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the " Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then,
manual and on the machine before starting.turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
" Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the " Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.
in struc tions, to operate the machine.The mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over
" Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc., the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.
which could be picked up and thrown by the blade." Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could
" Be sure the area is clear of other people before mow-cause sliding.
ing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area." Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot
" Never carry passengers.on the ground.
" Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
Always look down and behind before and while back-" Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.
ing.III. CHILDREN
" Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to
point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without the presence of children. Children are often attracted to
either the entire grass catcher or the guard in place.
" Slow down before turning.the ma chine and the mowing activity. Never assume that
children will remain where you last saw them.
" Never leave a running machine unattended. Always " Keep children out of the mowing area and under the
turn off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and watchful care of another responsible adult.
remove keys before dismounting.
" Turn off blades when not mowing." Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the
" Stop engine before removing grass catcher or un-area.
clog ging chute." Before and when backing, look behind and down for
small children.
" Mow only in daylight or good arti cial light." Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously
" Do not operate the machine while under the in uence
of alcohol or drugs.injured or interfere with safe machine operation.
" Watch for traf c when operating near or crossing road-" Never allow children to operate the machine.
ways." Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
" Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
into a trailer or truck.
" Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above, IV. SERVICE
are involved in a large percentage of riding mower-re-" Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels.
lated injuries. These operators should evaluate their They are ammable and vapors are explosive.
ability to operate the riding mower safely enough to - Use only an approved container.
protect them selves and others from serious injury.
" Keep machine free of grass , leaves or other debris - Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do
build-up which can touch hot exhaust / engine parts not smoke.
and burn. Do not allow the mower deck to plow leaves- Never refuel the machine indoors.
or other debris which can cause build-up to occur. - Never store the machine or fuel container inside where
Clean any oil or fuel spillage before operating or
storing the machine. Allow machine to cool beforethere is an open ame, such as a water heater.
storage." Never run a machine inside a closed area.
" Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts,
tight and keep equipment in good condition.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and " Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
tipover accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. op er a tion regularly.
" Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris
All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back up the build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to
slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.cool before storing.
DO:" Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object.
" Mow up and down slopes, not across.Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
" Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc." Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine
" Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could run ning.
overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles." Grass catcher components are subject to wear, dam-
" Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will age, and deterioration, which could expose moving
not have to stop or shift while on the slope.parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check
" Follow the manufacturers recommendations for wheel com po nents and replace with manufacturer's rec om -
weights or counterweights to improve stability.mend ed parts, when nec es sary.
" Use extra care with grass catchers or other at tach ments. " Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s)
These can change the stability of the machine.or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing
" Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. them.
Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction." Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service
" Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose trac-as required.
tion, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight
down the slope.
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