Ii. SLOPE
OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of
control and tip-over accidents, which can
result in severe injury or death.
Opera-
tion on all slopes requires extra caution.
If
you cannot back up the slope or if you feel
uneasy on it, do not mow it.
•
Mow up and down slopes, not across.
•
Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or
other hidden objects.
Uneven terrain
could overturn the machine.
Tall grass
can hide obstacles.
•
Choose a low ground speed so that
you will not have to stop or shift while
on the slope.
•
Do not mow on wet grass. Tires may
lose traction.
Always keep the machine in gear when
going down slopes. Do not shift to
neutral and coast downhill.
•
Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on
a slope.
If the tires lose traction,
dis-
engage the blades and proceed slowly
straight down the slope.
•
Keep all movement on the slopes slow
and gradual.
Do not make sudden
changes in speed or direction, which
could cause the machine to roll over.
•
Use extra care while operating ma-
chine with grass catchers or other at-
tachments;
they can affect the stability
of the machine. Do no use on steep
slopes.
•
Do not try to stabilize the machine by
putting your foot on the ground.
•
Do not mow near drop-offs,
ditches,
or embankments.
The machine could
suddenly roll over if a wheel is over the
edge or if the edge caves in.
Ii1. 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
will
remain
where
you
last
saw them.
•
Keep children
out of the mowing
area
and in the watchful
care of a respon-
sible
adult other than the operator.
•
Be alert and turn machine
off if a child
enters
the area.
•
Before
and while
backing,
look behind
and down
for small children.
•
Never carry children, even with the
blades shut off. They may fall off and
be seriously
injured or interfere with
safe machine operation.
Children who
have been given rides in the past may
suddenly appear in the mowing area
for another ride and be run over or
backed over by the machine.
•
Never allow children to operate the
machine.
•
Use extra care when approaching
blind
corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects
that may block your view of a child.
IV. TOWING
•
Tow only with a machine
that has a
hitch designed
for towing.
Do not at-
tach towed
equipment
except
at the
hitch point.
•
Followthe
manufacturer's
recom-
mendation
for weight
limits for towed
equipment
and towing
on slopes.
•
Never
allow
children
or others
in or on
towed
equipment.
•
On slopes,
the weight
of the towed
equipment
may cause
loss of traction
and loss of control.
•
Travel slowly
and allow extra
distance
to stop.
V. SERVICE
SAFE HANDLING
OF GASOLINE
To avoid
personal
injury
or property
damage,
use extreme
care in handling
gasoline.
Gasoline
is extremely
flammable
and the vapors
are explosive.
•
Extinguish
all cigarettes,
cigars,
pipes,
and other sources
of ignition.
•
Use only approved
gasoline
container.
•
Never
remove
gas cap or add fuel with
the engine
running.
Allow
engine
to
cool before
refueling.
•
Never
fuel the machine
indoors.
•
Never
store the machine
or fuel con-
tainer
where
there
is an open flame,
spark,
or pilot light such as on a water
heater
or other appliances.
•
Never
fill containers
inside
a vehicle
or on a truck
or trailer
bed with plastic
liner. Always
place containers
on the
ground
away from your vehicle
when
filling.
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