Safety

The machine safety labels shown in this section are placed in important areas on your machine to draw attention to potential safety hazards.

On your machine safety labels, the words DANGER, WARNING, and CAUTION are used with this safety-alert symbol. DANGER identifies the most serious hazards.

The operator's manual also explains any potential safety hazards whenever necessary in special safety messages that are identified with the word, CAUTION, and the safety-alert symbol.

WARNING: AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH

DANGER: ROTATING BLADES CUT OFF ARMS AND LEGS

WARNING: AVOID SERIOUS INJURY, LOADED SPRING

· To avoid injury from loaded spring, read operator's manual before changing attachments.

DANGER: CAUTION-POISON

DANGER

· Do not operate mower without discharge chute or entire grass catcher in place.

DANGER: ROTATING BLADE-THROWN OBJECTS

Picture Note: 42, 48, and 54 inch mowers only. Label appears as shown on 48 and 54. Label appears on discharge chute only on 42 inch.

· Do not operate mower without discharge chute or entire grass catcher in place.

DANGER: ROTATING BLADE

CAUTION

To avoid injury from spring loaded tension arm, read operator's manual before releasing.

Emission Control System Certification Label (Small Off-Road Gas Engines)

NOTE: Tampering with emission controls and components by unauthorized personnel may result in severe fines or penalties. Emission controls and components can only be adjusted by EPA and/or CARB authorized service centers. Contact your John Deere Commercial and Consumer Equipment Retailer concerning emission controls and component questions.

The presence of an emissions label signifies that the engine has been certified with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and/or California Air Resources Board (CARB).

The emissions warranty applies only to those engines marketed by John Deere that have been certified by the EPA and/or CARB; and used in the United States and Canada in off-road mobile equipment.

Emission Compliance Period (Small Off-Road Gas Engines)

If your engine has the emission compliance category listed on the emission control system certification or air index label, this indicates the number of operating hours for which the engine has been certified to meet EPA and/or CARB emission requirements. The following table provides the engine compliance period in hours associated with the category found on the certification label.


Agency	Category	Hours
EPA	C	250
EPA	B	500
EPA	A	1000
CARB	Moderate	125
CARB	Intermediate	250
CARB	Extended	500

Certification

Your mower has been certified by an independent laboratory for compliance with American National Standard B-71.1, "Safety Specifications" for Power Lawn Mowers, Lawn and Garden Tractors, and Lawn Tractors.

Canadian Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Compliance

Operating Safely

· Read, understand and follow all instructions in the manual, on the machine and on the safety video before starting.

· Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the instructions to operate the machine. Local restrictions may restrict the age of the operator.

· Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and the proper use of the machine before starting.

· Inspect machine before you operate. Be sure hardware is tight. Repair or replace damaged, badly worn, or missing parts. Replace faulty silencers. Be sure guards and shields are in good condition and fastened in place. Make any necessary adjustments before you operate.

· Before using, always visually inspect to see that the blades, blade bolts and the mower assembly are not worn and damaged. Replace worn and damaged blades and bolts in sets to preserve balance.

· Be sure all drives are in neutral and parking brake is locked before starting engine. Only start engine from the operator's position.

· Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed the engine. Operating the engine at excessive speed can increase the hazard of personal injury.

· Do not operate mower without discharge chute or entire grass catcher in place. Never operate with the discharge deflector raised, removed, or altered, unless using a grass catcher.

· Check brake action before you operate. Adjust or service brakes as necessary.

· If you hit an object or if abnormal vibration occurs, stop the machine and inspect it. Make repairs before you operate. Keep machine and attachments properly maintained and in good working order.

· Be aware of the mower discharge direction and make sure that no one is in the path of the discharge direction.

· Slow down and be careful of traffic when operating near or crossing roadways. Stop blades before crossing roads or sidewalks. Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.

· Use only accessories and attachments approved by the manufacturer of the machine. Keep safety labels visible when installing accessories and attachments.

· Older adults are involved in a large percentage of riding mower accidents involving injury. These operators should evaluate their ability to operate a mower safely enough to protect the operator and others from serious injury.

· Do not wear radio or music headphones. Safe service and operation requires your full attention.

· Reduce the throttle setting during engine run-out and, if the engine is provided with a fuel shut-off valve, turn the fuel off at the conclusion of mowing.

· When machine is left unattended, stored, or parked, lower the mower deck unless a positive mechanical lock is used.

Using a Spark Arrestor

The engine in this machine is not equipped with a spark arrestor muffler. It is a violation of California Public Resource Code Section 4442 to use or operate this engine on or near any forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrestor meeting any applicable local or state laws. Other states or federal areas may have similar laws.

A spark arrestor for your machine may be available from your authorized dealer. An installed spark arrestor must be maintained in good working order by the operator.

Checking Mowing Area

· Clear mowing area of objects that might be thrown. Keep people and pets out of mowing area.

· Low-hanging branches and similar obstacles can injure the operator or interfere with mowing operation. Before mowing, identify potential obstacles such as low-hanging branches, and trim or remove those obstacles.

· Study mowing area. Set up a safe mowing pattern. Do not mow where traction or stability is doubtful.

· Test drive area with mower lowered but not running. Slow down when you travel over rough ground.

Parking Safely

7. Wait for engine and all moving parts to stop before you leave the operator's seat.

9. Disconnect the negative battery cable or remove the spark plug wire (for gasoline engines) before servicing the machine.

Rotating Blades are Dangerous

HELP PREVENT SERIOUS OR FATAL ACCIDENTS:

· Rotating blades can cut off arms and legs, and throw objects. Failure to observe safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.

· Be alert at all times, drive forward carefully. People, especially children can move quickly into the mowing area before you know it.

· Before backing up, stop mower blades or attachments and look down and behind the machine carefully, especially for children.

· Park machine safely before leaving the operator's station for any reason including emptying the catchers or unplugging the chute.

· The mower blades should stop in approximately five seconds when the mower is disengaged. If you believe that your blades may not be stopping in that period of time, take your machine to your authorized dealer where they can safely check and service your machine.

PROTECT CHILDREN:

· Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of another responsible adult.

· Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them. Children are attracted to mowing activity, stay alert to the presence of children.

· Keep children indoors when you are mowing. Turn the machine off if a child enters the mowing area.

· Do not carry or let children ride on any attachment or machine even with the blades off. Do not tow children in a cart or trailer.

Protect Children

· Death or serious injury can occur when young children associate having fun with a lawn mowing machine simply because someone has given them a ride on a machine.

· Young children are attracted to lawn mowing machines and mowing activities. They don't understand the dangers of rotating blades or the fact that the operator is unaware of their presence.

· Tragic accidents with children can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children, especially when a child approaches a machine from behind. Before backing up, stop mower blades and look down and behind the machine carefully, especially for children.

· Never carry children on a machine or attachment, even with the blades off. Do not tow children in a cart or trailer. They can fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation.

· Do not let children or an untrained person operate the machine. Instruct all operators not to give children a ride on the machine or in an attachment.

· Keep children indoors, out of the mowing area, and under the watchful eye of a responsible adult when a mower is being operated.

· Stay alert to the presence of children. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them. Turn the machine off if a child enters the work area.

Avoid Tipping

· Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tip-over accidents, which 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.

· Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction.

· Use a slow speed when operating on a slope. Choose a low gear or speed so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope.

· Tires may lose traction on slopes even though the brakes are functioning properly.

· Do not turn on slopes unless necessary. Turn slowly and turn downhill. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.

· Stay alert for holes and other hidden hazards in the terrain. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

· Keep away from drop-offs, ditches and embankments. The machine could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.

· Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. These can change the stability of the machine. Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.

· Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel weights or counterweights for added stability when operating on slopes or using front or rear mounted attachments. Remove weights when not required.

· Do not stop when going up hill or down hill. If machine stops going up hill or tires lose traction, disengage mower blades and back down slowly.

Keep Riders Off

· Riders on the machine or attachment may be struck by foreign objects or thrown off the machine causing serious injury.

· Riders obstruct the operator's view resulting in the machine being operated in an unsafe manner.

Checking Wheel Bolts

· A serious accident could occur causing serious injury if wheel bolts are not tight.

· Wheel hardware must be tightened to specified torque using the proper procedure anytime it is loosened.

Towing Loads Safely

· Limit loads to those you can safely control. Use only approved hitches when pulling loads or using heavy equipment.

· Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for weight limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes.

· Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at the hitch point.

· On slopes, the weight of towed equipment may cause loss of traction and loss of control.

Wear Appropriate Clothing

· Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields when operating the machine.

· While mowing, always wear substantial footwear and long trousers. Do not operate the equipment when barefoot or wearing open sandals.

· Wear a suitable protective device such as earplugs. Loud noise can cause impairment or loss of hearing.

Driving Safely on Public Roads

Avoid personal injury or death resulting from a collision with another vehicle on public roads:

· Use safety lights and devices. Slow moving machines when driven on public roads are hard to see, especially at night.

· Whenever driving on public roads, use flashing warning lights and turn signals according to local regulations. Extra flashing warning lights may need to be installed.

Practice Safe Maintenance

· Do not operate the engine in a confined space where dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.

· Never lubricate, service, or adjust machine while it is moving. Wait for all movement to stop on machine before adjusting, cleaning or repairing.

· On multi-bladed machines, take care as rotating one blade can cause other blades to rotate.

· Keep hands, feet, clothing, jewelry, and long hair away from any moving parts, to prevent them from getting caught.

· Lower attachments to the ground before cleaning or servicing machine. Disengage all power and stop the engine. Lock park brake and remove the key. Let machine cool.

· Disconnect battery or remove spark plug wire (for gasoline engines) before making any repairs.

· Before servicing machine, carefully release pressure from any components with stored energy, such as hydraulic components.

· Securely support any machine elements that must be raised for service work. Use jack stands or lock service latches to support components when needed.

· Use care when checking blades. Wrap blades or wear gloves and use caution when servicing them. Only replace blades. Never straighten or weld them.

· Keep all parts in good condition and properly installed. Fix damage immediately. Replace worn or broken parts. Replace all worn or damaged safety and instruction decals.

· Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage, and deterioration which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. Check components frequently and replace with manufacturer's recommended parts when necessary.

· Charge batteries in an open, well-ventilated area, away from sparks. Unplug battery charger before connecting or disconnecting from the battery. Wear protective clothing and use insulated tools.

· Do not modify machine or safety devices. Unauthorized modifications may impair its function and safety.

Prevent Fires

· Remove grass and debris from engine compartment and muffler area, before and after operating machine, especially after mowing or mulching in dry conditions.

· To reduce fire hazard, keep engine and engine compartment free of grass, leaves, or excessive grease.

· Never remove fuel cap, or add fuel with engine running or hot. Allow engine to cool for several minutes.

· Never store equipment with fuel in the tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark.

Tire Safety

· Do not attempt to mount a tire without the proper equipment and experience to perform the job.

· Always maintain the correct tire pressure. Do not inflate the tires above the recommended pressure. Never weld or heat a wheel and tire assembly. The heat can cause an increase in air pressure resulting in a tire explosion. Welding can structurally weaken or deform the wheel.

· When inflating tires, use a clip-on chuck and extension hose long enough to allow you to stand to one side and NOT in front of or over the tire assembly.

· Check tires for low pressure, cuts, bubbles, damaged rims or missing lug bolts and nuts.

Handling Fuel Safely

Fuel and fuel vapors are highly flammable:

· Do not refuel machine while you smoke, when machine is near an open flame or sparks, or when engine is running. Stop engine and allow to cool before filling.

· Never fill fuel tank or drain fuel from a machine in an enclosed area. Fill fuel tank outdoors.

· Prevent fires. Clean up spilled fuel immediately. If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately. Do not attempt to start the engine but move the machine away from the area of spillage and avoid creating any source of ignition until fuel vapors have dissipated.

· Do not store fuel in container or machine with fuel in tank in a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark.

· Prevent fire and explosion caused by static electric discharge. Use only non-metal, portable fuel containers approved by the Underwriter's Laboratory (U.L.) or the American Society for Testing & Materials (ASTM). If using a funnel, make sure it is plastic and has no screen or filter.

· Static electric discharge can ignite gasoline vapors in an ungrounded fuel container. Remove the fuel container from the bed of a machine or trailer or the trunk of a car and place on the ground away from the machine before filling. Keep nozzle in contact with container opening while filling. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.

· When practical, remove equipment from trailers or truck beds and refuel them on the ground. If this is not possible, use a portable, plastic fuel container to refuel equipment on a truck bed or trailer.

· For gasoline engines, do not use gas with methanol. Methanol is harmful to your health and to the environment.

Handling Waste Product and Chemicals

Waste products, such as, used oil, fuel, coolant, brake fluid, and batteries, can harm the environment and people:

· Do not use beverage containers for waste fluids - someone may drink from them.

· See your local Recycling Center or authorized dealer to learn how to recycle or get rid of waste products.

· A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) provides specific details on chemical products: physical and health hazards, safety procedures, and emergency response techniques. The seller of the chemical products used with your machine is responsible for providing the MSDS for that product.