4
• Inspect the area where the equipment is to be used and
remove all objects such as rocks, toys and wire which
can be thrown by the machine.
• Use extra care when handling gasoline and other fuels.
They are flammable and vapors are explosive.
• Use only an approved container.
• Never remove gas cap or add fuel with engine
running. Allow engine to cool before refueling.
Do not smoke.
• Never refuel or drain the machine indoors.
• Check that operator’s presence controls, safety switches
and shields are attached and functioning properly. Do
not operate unless they are functioning properly.
Operation
• Never run an engine in an enclosed area.
• Only operate in good light, keeping away from holes
and hidden hazards.
• Be sure all drives are in neutral and parking brake is
engaged before starting engine.
• Be sure of your footing while using pedestrian
controlled equipment, especially when backing up.
Walk, don’t run. Never operate on wet grass. Reduced
footing could cause slipping.
• Slow down and use extra care on hillsides. Be sure to
travel side-to-side on hillsides. Turf conditions can
affect the machine’s stability. Use caution while
operating near drop-offs.
• Slow down and use caution when making turns and
when changing directions on slopes.
• Never raise deck with the blades running.
• Never operate with the PTO shield, or other guards not
securely in place. Be sure all interlocks are attached,
adjusted properly, and functioning properly.
• Never operate with the discharge deflector raised,
removed or altered, unless using a grass catcher.
• Do not change the engine governor setting or overspeed
the engine.
• Stop on level ground, disengage drives, engage parking
brake, shut off engine before leaving the operator’s
position for any reason including emptying the catchers
or unclogging the chute.
• Stop equipment and inspect blades after striking objects
or if an abnormal vibration occurs. Make necessary
repairs before resuming operations.
• Keep hands and feet away from the cutting unit.
• Look behind and down before backing up to be sure of
a clear path.
• Keep pets and bystanders away.
• Slow down and use caution when making turns and
crossing roads and sidewalks. Stop blades if not
mowing.
• Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not
point it at anyone.
• Do not operate the mower under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
• Use care when loading or unloading the machine into or
from a trailer or truck.
• Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees,
or other objects that may obscure vision.
Maintenance and storage
• Disengage drives, set parking brake, stop engine and
disconnect spark plug wire. Wait for all movement to
stop before adjusting, cleaning or repairing.
• Clean grass and debris from cutting unit, 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.
• Shut off fuel while storing or transporting. Do not store
fuel near flames or drain indoors.
• Park machine on level ground. Set parking brake. Never
allow untrained personnel to service machine.
• Use jack stands to support components when required.
• Carefully release pressure from components with stored
energy.
• Remove spark plug wire before making any repairs.
• Use care when checking blades. Wrap the blades or
wear gloves, and use caution when servicing them.
Only replace blades. Never straighten or weld them.
• Keep hands and feet away from moving parts. If
possible, do not make adjustments with the engine
running.
• Keep all parts in good working condition and all
hardware tightened. Replace all worn or damaged
decals.
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