Full Product Manual

3
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
Unpacking
22. Never leave a running mower unattended. Always stop on level
ground, turn off blade(s), place drive speed control levers in neutral, set
parking brake, stop engine and remove key before leaving the operator
position.
23. Use extra care when loading or unloading the mower on a trailer. The
mower should not be driven on unstable, unsecured or inadequate
ramps because the mower could tip over causing serious personal
injury.
24. Check overhead clearances carefully before driving under low hanging
tree branches, wires, door openings etc., where the operator may be
struck which could result in serious injury.
25. Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do not touch.
26. Disengage the blades, set the parking brake to the ‘on’ position
and make sure the speed control levers are in the neutral position
before attempting to start the engine. Only start the engine from the
operator’s position.
27. Do not attempt to mow unusually tall, dry grass (e.g., pasture) or piles
of dry leaves. Dry grass or leaves may contact the engine exhaust and/
or build up on the mower deck presenting a potential fire hazard.
28. Do not stop or park the mower over dry leaves, grass, debris or other
combustible material.
29. Never attempt to operate the mower without the mowing deck
attached; the mower could tip over.
30. Keep the mower and especially the engine exhaust system and
hydraulic components clean and free of grease, grass and leaves to
reduce the potential for overheating and fire.
31. Allow the mower to cool at least 5 minutes before storing.
32. Use only accessories and attachments approved for this mower by the
mower manufacturer. Read, understand and follow all instructions
provided with the approved accessory or attachment.
33. Data indicates that operators, age 65 years and above, are involved in
a large percentage of riding mower-related injuries. Operators should
evaluate their ability to operate this mower safely enough to protect
themselves and others from serious injury.
34. Do not operate or start mower if there is fuel or oil leaks; repair
immediately.
35. When looking for oil leaks, never run hands over hydraulic hoses, lines
or fittings. Never tighten or adjust hydraulic hoses, lines or fittings
while the system is under pressure. If high-pressure oil penetrates the
skin seek immediate medical attention or gangrene and permanent
damage may result. Do not check for hydraulic leaks with hands, use
paper or cardboard instead. Wear gloves and safety glasses when
checking for leaks.
36. Do not operate mowers that have been damaged or have not been
properly maintained. If the mower has been damaged, then have it
repaired.
37. When operating this mower in the forward direction, do not allow the
speed control levers to return to the neutral position on their own.
Always operate them smoothly and avoid any sudden movements of
the levers when starting or stopping.
38. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual use care and
good judgement. Contact the customer service representative for
assistance.
Slope Operation
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-over accidents that
can result in severe injury or death. All slopes require extra caution. If you
cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it or drive on
the slope.
For your safety, use the slope gauge included as part of this manual to
measure slopes before operating this mower on a sloped or hilly area. If the
slope is greater than 15 degrees as shown on the slope gauge, do not operate
this mower on that area or serious injury could result.
Do:
1. Mow across slopes, not up and down. Exercise extreme caution when
changing direction on slopes.
2. Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects. Uneven
terrain could overturn the mower. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
3. Use slow speed. Choose a low enough speed so that the mower will not
have to stop while on the slope. Avoid starting or stopping on a slope.
If the tires are unable to maintain traction, disengage the blades and
proceed slowly and carefully straight down the slope.
4. Keep all movements on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not make
sudden changes in speed or direction. Rapid acceleration could cause
the front of the mower to lift and rapidly flip over backwards, which
could cause serious injury or death.
5. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for wheel weights or
counterweights to improve stability.
6. Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. These can
change the stability of the mower.
Do Not:
1. Do not turn on slopes unless necessary; then turn slowly uphill and use
extra care while turning.
2. Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments. The mower could
suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff, ditch, or if an edge
caves in.
3. Do not operate on slopes or near the edge of water such as a lake,
pond, river or stream where the mower could slip, tip or roll-over into
the water.
4. Do not try to stabilize the mower by putting a foot on the ground.
5. Do not use a grass catcher on slopes steeper than 15 degrees.
6. Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding and/or
loss of control.