_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:
in order to prevent acciden-
tal starting
when
setting
up, transporting,
adjusting
or making repairs, always discon-
nect 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 the 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 components
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 instruc-
tions 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 bystanders
before operating.
Stop machine if anyone
enters the area.
• Never carry passengers.
o Do not mow in reverse
unless absolutely
necessary.
Always
look down and behind
before
and while backing.
• 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
crossing
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
unat-
tended.
Always
turn off blades,
set park-
ing 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
cleaning
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.
° 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 operat-
ing machine.
, Data
indicates
that
operators,
age
60
years and above,
are involved
in a large
percentage
of riding mower*related
inju-
des°
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
recommen-
dation
for
wheel
weights
or counter-
weights.
• Keep
machine
free
of grass
, leaves
or
other
debris
build-up
which
can
touch
hot
exhaust
/ 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