Operating Safely

• Never run an engine in an enclosed area where dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.
• Only operate in good light, keeping away from holes, and hidden hazards.
• Be sure that all drives are in neutral and parking brake is engaged before starting engine. Only start engine from the operator’s position. Use seat belts if provided.
• Slow down and use extra care on hillsides. Be sure to travel in the recommended direction on hillsides. For this machine, drive up and down hillsides, not across. 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 cutting units with reels rotating or deck with the blades running.
• Never operate without PTO shield or other guards securely in place. Be sure that all interlocks are attached, adjusted properly, and functioning properly.
• If equipped with a mower deck, never operate with the discharge deflector raised, removed, or altered, unless using a grass catcher. Do not operate mower without discharge chute or entire grass catcher in place.
• Do not change the engine governor setting or overspeed the engine. Operating the engine at excessive speed can increase the hazard of personal injury.
• Stop on level ground, lower implements, disengage drives, engage parking brake, and shut off engine before leaving the operator’s position for any reason including emptying the grass catchers, clearing blockages or unclogging discharge chutes.
• Stop equipment and inspect blades or reels after striking objects or if an abnormal vibration occurs. Make necessary repairs before resuming operations.
• Keep hands and feet away from the cutting units.
• Look behind and down before backing up to be sure of a clear path.
• Never carry passengers and keep pets and bystanders away.
• Slow down and use caution when making turns and crossing roads and sidewalks. Stop blades or reels if not mowing. Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways.
• If equipped with a mower deck, be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point it at anyone.
• Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Use care when loading or unloading the machine into or off of a trailer or truck.
• Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
• Inspect machine before you operate. Be sure that hardware is tight. Repair or replace damaged, badly worn, or missing parts. Be sure that guards and shields are in good condition and fastened in place. Make any necessary adjustments before you operate.
• If equipped with a mower deck, before using, always visually inspect to see that the blades, blade bolts and the mower assembly are not worn and damaged. To preserve balance replace worn and damaged blades and bolts in sets.
• Keep safety labels visible when installing accessories and attachments.
• Do not wear radio or music headphones. Safe service and operation require your full attention.
• When machine is left unattended, stored, or parked, lower the cutting units or mower deck unless a positive mechanical lock is used.