Operation

• Do not operate the engine in a confined space where dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.
• Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
• Before attempting to start the engine, disengage all blade attachment clutches and shift into neutral.
• Do not use on slopes of degrees more than recommended by the manufacturer.
• Remember there is no such thing as a safe slope. Travel on grass slopes requires particular care. To guard against overturning:
  • do not stop or start suddenly when going up or downhill;
  • engage clutch slowly, always keep machine in gear, especially when traveling downhill;
  • machine speeds should be kept low on slopes and during tight turns;
  • stay alert for humps and hollows and other hidden hazards;
  • never mow across the face of a slope, unless the machine is designed for this purpose.
• Use care when pulling loads or using heavy equipment:
  • use only approved drawbar hitch points;
  • limit loads to those you can safely control;
  • do not turn sharply. Use care when reversing;
  • use counterweights or wheel weights when suggested in the operator’s manual.
• Watch out for traffic when crossing or near roadways.
• Stop the blades from rotating before crossing surfaces other than grass.
• Never direct discharge of material toward bystanders nor allow anyone near the machine while in operation.
• Never operate the machine with defective guards, or without safety protective devices in place.
• Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed the engine. Operating the engine at excessive speed can increase the hazard of personal injury.
• Before leaving the operator’s position:
  • disengage the drive to any attachments and lower them;
  • change into neutral and lock the parking brake;
  • stop the engine and remove the key.
• Disengage drive to attachments, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wires and remove the ignition key:
  • before clearing blockages or unclogging chute;
  • before checking, cleaning, or working on the machine;
  • after striking a foreign object. Inspect the machine for damage and make repairs before restarting and operating the equipment;
  • if the machine starts to vibrate abnormally (check immediately).
• Disengage drive to attachments when transporting or not in use.
• Stop the engine and disengage drive to attachment:
  • before refueling;
  • before removing the grass catcher;
  • before making height adjustment unless adjustment can be made from the operator’s position.
• Reduce the throttle setting during run-out and, if the engine is provided with a shut-off valve, turn the fuel off at the conclusion of mowing.
• Read, understand and follow all instructions in the manual and on the machine before starting.
• Inspect machine before you operate. Repair or replace damaged, badly worn, or missing parts. Make any necessary adjustments before you operate.
• 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 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.
• Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
• Do not leave machine unattended when it is running.
• 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.
• Do not operate machine if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Data indicates operators 60 years and above are involved in a large percentage of riding mower-related injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability to operate the riding mower safely enough to protect themselves and others from serious injury.
• Do not wear radio or music headphones. Safe service and operation requires your full attention.