_DANGER"
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.
_WARNING:
tn order to prevent ac-
cidental
starting
when setting
up, trans-
porting,
adjusting
or making
repairs,
always
disconnect
spark plug wire and
place wire where
it cannot
contact spark
plug.
_WARNING:
Do not coast down a hill in
neutral, you may lose control of tile tractor.
_WARNING:
Tow only the attachments
that are recommended
by and comply with
specifications
of the manufacturer
of your
tractor.
Use common
sense when towing.
Operate
only at the lowest
possible
speed
when on a slope.
Too heavy of a load,
while on a slope, is dangerous.
Tires can
lose traction
with the ground and cause
you to lose control
of your tractor.
_WARNING:
Engine
exhaust,
some of
its constituents,
and certain vehicle com-
ponents
contain or emit chemicals
known
to the State of California
to cause cancer
and birth defects
or other reproductive
harm.
_WARNING:
Battery
posts, terminals
and related
accessories
contain
lead and
lead compounds,
chemicals
known to the
State of California
to cause cancer
and
birth defects or other reproductive
harm.
Wash
hands after
handling.
I. GENERAL
OPERATION
.
Read, understand,
and follow all
instructions
on the machine
and in the
manual
before starting.
•
Do not put hands or feet near rotating
parts or under the machine.
Keep clear
of the discharge
opening
at all times.
.
Only allow responsible
adults,
who are
familiar
with the instructions,
to operate
the machine.
°
Clear the area of objects
such as
rocks, toys, wire, etc.,
which could be
picked up and thrown
by the blades.
°
Be sure the area is clear of bystand-
ers before operating.
Stop machine
if
anyone
enters the area.
•
Nevercarry
passengers.
°
Do not mow in reverse
unless abso-
lutely necessary.
Always
look down
and behind before and while backing.
o
Never direct discharged
material
toward anyone.
Avoid discharging
material
against a wall or obstruction.
Material
may ricochet
back toward the
operator.
Stop the blades
when cross-
ing gravel surfaces.
,
Do not operate
machine
without
the
entire grass catcher,
discharge
guard,
or other safety devices
in place and
working.
•
Slow down before turning.
•
Never leave a running machine
unattended.
Always
turn off blades,
set parking
brake, stop engine,
and
remove
keys before dismounting.
•
Disengage
blades when
not mowing.
Shut off engine and wait for all parts to
come to a complete
stop before
clean-
ing the machine,
removing
the grass
catcher, or unclogging
the discharge
guard.
,
Operate
machine
only in daylight
or
good artificial
light.
,
Do not operate
the machine
while
under the influence
of alcohol
or drugs.
o
Watch for traffic when operating
near
or crossing
roadways.
•
Use extra care when loading
or unload-
ing the machine
into a trailer
or truck.
,
Always
wear eye protection
when oper-
ating machine,
°
Data indicates
that operators,
age 60
years and above, are involved
in a
large percentage
of riding mower-re-
lated injuries.
These operators
should
evaluate
their ability to operate
the
riding mower safely enough
to protect
themselves
and others
from serious
injury.
•
Follow the manufacturer's
recommem
dation for wheel weights
or counter-
weights.
•
Keep machine
free of grass,
leaves
or other debris build-up
which can
touch hot exhaust
I engine
parts and
burn. Do not allow the mower to plow
leaves or other debris which
can cause
build-up
to occur. Clean
any oil or fuel
spillage
before operating
or storing the
machine.
Allow machine
to cool before
storage.
3