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.
• Equipment owners are responsible for ensuring that operators are responsible, trained, familiar with the instructions and are mentally and physically capable of performing the tasks associated with operating this equipment safely.
• Age, both young and old, can be a factor in operator related injuries. Operators should evaluate their ability to operate the equipment safely enough to protect themselves and others from serious injury.
• 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.
• Do not wear radio or music headphones. Safe service and operation requires your full attention.