Safety
This
machine
meets
or exceeds
the B71.1-2003
specifications
of the American
National
Standards
Institute,
in effect
at the time
of production.
However,
improper
use or maintenance
by the
operator
or owner
can result
in injury.
To reduce
the potential
for injury,
comply
with these
safety
instructions
and
always
pay attention
to the
safety
alert
symbol,
which
means
CAUTION,
WARNING,
or DANGER-"personal
safety
instruction."
Failure
to comply
with the instruction
may
result
in personal
injury
or death.
Safe Operating Practices
This product is capable of amputating hands and
feet and throwing objects. Always follow all safety
instructions
to avoid serious injury or death.
The following
instructions
are from
ANSI standard
B7I.I-2003.
All the language
within
this ANSI standard
applies
to this machine;
however,
due to the application
of the standard
across ma W different
types of products
some statements
can seem general
or misleading.
In
these instances,
_[bro has refined
the statement
to convey
the meaning
of the standard
while better
matching
the product
this Operator's Mazual pertains.
Safety
information
in addition
to the instructions
found in
the ANSI standard
below can be found in _fbro Riding
Mower
Safety at the end of this section.
General Operation
•
Read, understand,
and follow
all instructions
in
the operator's
manual
and on the machine
before
starting.
•
Do not place hands
or feet near rotating
parts
or
under
the machine.
Keep clear of the discharge
opening
at all times.
•
iMlow only 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
blade.
•
Be sure the area is clear of other people before
mowing. Stop the machine if anyone enters the area.
•
Never carry passengers.
•
Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessar>
Always look down and behind before and while
backing up.
•
Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do
not point it at awone.
Avoid discharging material
against
a wall or obstruction.
Material
may ricochet
back toward
the operator.
Stop the blade(s)
when
crossing
gravel surfaces.
Do not operate
the machine
without
deflector,
discharge
cover or entire grass collection
system in
place and working.
Be alert, slow down and use caution
when
malting
turns.
Look
behind
and to the side before
changing
directions.
•
Never
leave a running
machine
unattended.
Always
turn off blades,
set parldng
brake,
stop engine,
and
remove
key before
dismounting.
•
Turn off blades when not mowing.
Stop the engine,
wait for all parts
to come
to a complete
stop
and remove
the key before
cleaning
the machine,
removing
the grass catcher
or unclogging
the
discharge
chute.
•
Operate
the machine
only in daylight
or good
artificial
light.
•
Do not operate
the machine
while under
the
influence
of alcohol
or drugs.
•
Watch
for traffic when
operating
near or crossing
roadways.
•
Use extra care when
loading
or unloading
the
machine
into a trailer or truck.
Always wear eye protection when operating the
mower.
•
Data indicates
that operators,
age 60 years and
above, are involved
in a large percentage
of riding
mower-related
injuries.
Operators
should
evaluate
their ability to operate
the tiding mower
safely
enough
to protect
themselves
and others
from
serious
injur>
•
Always
follow
the recommendations
for a W
application
o f counterweights.
•
Lightning
can cause severe injury
or death.
If
lightning
is seen or thunder
is heard in the area, do
not operate
the machine;
seek shelter.
Slope Operation
Slopes are a major
factor related
to loss of control
and
tip-over
accidents,
which
can result in severe injury or
death.
Operation
on all slopes requires
extra caution.
If
you cannot
back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it,
do not mow it.
Do not mow slopes greater
than 15 degrees.
Watch
for ditches, holes, rocks, dips, and rises that
change
the operating
angle, as rough terrain
could
overturn
the machine.