All o perators
and mechanics
should be
trained. The owner isresponsible
fortraining
the users.
Never letchildren oruntrained
people
operate orservice the equipment.
Local
regulations
may r estrict the age ofthe
operator.
The owner/user
can prevent and is
responsible
for a ccidents
orinjuries occurring
tothemselves,
other people orproperty.
Preparation
Evaluate
the terrain todetermine
what
accessories
and attachments
are needed to
properly
and safely perform the job. O nly u se
accessories
and attachments
approved
by
the manufacturer.
Wear appropriate
clothing including
hard h at,
safety glasses and ear p rotection.
Long h air,
loose clothing orjewelry may b ecome
tangled
inmoving parts.
Inspect the area w here the equipment
istobe
used a nd remove all o bjects such a srocks,
toys a nd wire, which c an bethrown bythe
machine.
Use extra c are w hen h andling
gasoline
and
other fuels. They a re flammable
and vapors
are explosive.
Use only a napproved
container.
Never remove gas c ap oradd fuel with
engine running. Allow e ngine tocool
before refueling.
Do not s moke.
Never refuel ordrain t he machine
indoors.
Check that o perator's
presence
controls,
safety switches
and shields are attached
and
functioning
properly.
Do not o perate unless
they are functioning
properly.
Operation
Never run anengine inanenclosed
area.
Only o perate ingood l ight, keeping away
from holes and hidden hazards.
Be sure all d rives are inneutral and parking
brake isengaged
before starting the engine.
Only s tart engine from the operator's
position.
Slow down a nd use extra c are onhillsides.
Be sure totravel inthe recommended
direction onhillsides.
Turf conditions
can
affect the machine's
stability. Use caution
while o perating
near drop-offs.
Slow down a nd use caution when m aking
turns a nd when c hanging
directions
on
slopes.
Never raise d eck with the blades running.
Never operate with the PTO shield, orother
guards not s ecurely inplace. Be sure all
interlocks
are attached,
adjusted properly,
and functioning
properly.
Never operate with the discharge
shield
raised, removed
oraltered, unless using a
grass catcher.
Do not change the engine governor
setting or
over speed the engine.
Stop o nlevel ground, lower implements,
disengage
drives, engage parking brake, shut
off e ngine before leaving the operator's
position for a ny reason including
emptying
the catchers orunclogging
the chute.
Stop e quipment
and inspect blades after
striking objects orifanabnormal
vibration
occurs. Make necessary
repairs before
resuming
operations.
Keep hands and feet a way f rom the cutting
units.
Look b ehind and down b efore backing upto
besure ofaclear path.
Never carry p assengers
and keep p ets and
bystanders
away.
Slow down a nd use caution when c rossing
roads and sidewalks.
Stop b lades ifnot m owing.
Be aware ofthe mower discharge
direction
and donot p oint itatanyone.
Do not o perate the mower under the
influence
ofalcohol ordrugs.
Use c are when l oading orunloading
the
machine into atrailer ortruck.
Use c are when a pproaching
blind c orners,
shrubs, trees, orother objects that m ay
obscure vision.
MAINTENANCE
AND STORAGE
Disengage drives, lower implement, set
parking brake, stop engine and remove key
or disconnect
spark plug wire. Wait for all
movement to stop before adjusting, cleaning
or repairing.
Clean grass and debris from cutting units,
drives, mufflers, and engine to help prevent
fires. Clean up oil or fuel spillage.
Let engine cool before storing and do not
store near flame.
Do not store fuel near flames or drain
indoors.
Park the machine on level ground. Never
allow untrained personnel to service
machine.
Use jack stands to support components when
required.
Carefully release pressure from components
with stored energy.
GB-7