4-4
• Keep children out of the operating area and
under the watchful care of a responsible adult
other than the operator.
• Do not carry children, even with the blade(s)
shut o. Children could fall o and be seriously
injured or interfere with safe machine operation.
Children who have been given rides in the past
could suddenly appear in the mowing area for
another ride and be run over or backed over by
the machine.
• Do not allow children to play on or around
machine when not in use and never leave the
key in the ignition switch. Children may be
injured by hot components and are prone to
attempt operating all functions of the equipment
which may result in becoming pinched, crushed,
or unintended operation.
Fire and Fuel Specic
• Besides routine maintenance, one of the best
ways to reduce the risk of re is to regularly
check and remove debris and combustible
residue from the machine.
• Use extra care when handling fuels. They are
ammable and vapors are explosive.
• Use only an approved container.
• Do not remove the fuel cap or add fuel with the
engine running. Allow the engine to cool before
refueling.
• Keep the machine and engine free of grass,
leaves, excessive grease, oil, or other debris at
all times to reduce the risk of re.
• Do not use the machine to push combustible
materials, such as leaves, branches, or tall
grass.
• Never smoke when handling fuel, and stay
away from open ame or where fuel fumes may
be ignited by spark.
• Never start the engine in an enclosed space
with the presence of fuel vapor. Starting the
engine may ignite fuel vapors.
• Do not smoke near the machine when the
engine is running.
• Do not refuel indoors or in enclosed spaces.
• Never overll the fuel tank.
• Remove machine from truck or trailer before
fueling.
• Do not store the machine or fuel container, or
refuel, where there is an open ame, spark, or
pilot light such as on a water heater or other
appliance.
• If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to start the
engine and avoid creating any source of ignition
until fuel vapors have dissipated.
• Allow machine to cool before storing or
covering. Machine res and structural res can
occur if a machine is stored before allowing it to
cool.
• Always shut o fuel when storing or
transporting.
• Check fuel lines, tank, cap and ttings
frequently for cracks or leaks. Replace
immediately if necessary.
Service
• Only qualied and trained persons who
understand the warnings in this manual should
service this machine.
• Examine the moving parts prior to each use.
Look for excessive wear, deterioration, bald or
worn tires, cracks in parts, lose or missing bolts,
pins, and replace before operating the machine.
Inspect fuel system for leaks or cracks in hoses,
tank(s), and seals.
• Make sure all safety equipment provided
with the machine is in good operating order,
including all the warning decals and the
required operator-presence device which stops
the engine and blades when the switch is
released.
• Be sure that all parts of the hand-operated
control system are tight and secure. This is to
reduce the possibility that the machine could
have a loss of control.
• Ensure all safety related switches are
operational. Do not disable safety switches.
• Use caution when servicing blades. Wrap the
blade(s) or wear gloves. Replace damaged
blades. Do not repair or alter blade(s). Do
not use blades that have been improperly
sharpened or beyond the serviceable limits. Do
not use blades from unveried sources as the
material may not be suitable.
• Machines with hydraulic pumps, hoses, or
motors: WARNING: Fluid escaping under
pressure may have sucient force to penetrate
skin and cause serious injury. If uid is injected
into the skin, seek immediate medical attention.
• Keep body and hands away from pin holes or
nozzles that eject uid under high pressure.
• If a leak occurs, have the machine immediately
serviced by a trained technician. Never use
hands to search for hydraulic leaks. Use
paper, cardboard, or UV dye. Keep body and