1. Safety
Rules
Safe Operation
Practices
for Ride=On Mowers
IMPORTANT:
THIS CUTTING
MACHINE
IS CAPABLE
OF AMPUTATING
HANDS
AND FEET AND THROWING
OBJECTS.
FAILURE
TO OBSERVE
THE FOLLOWING
SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS
COULD
RESULT
IN SERIOUS
INJURY
OR DEATH.
@
I. TRAINING
Read the instructions
carefully.
Be familiar
with the controls
and the proper
use of the equipment.
Never allow children
or people unfamiliar
with the instruc-
tions to use the lawnmower.
Local regulations
may restrict
the age of the operator.
Never mow while people,
especially
children,
or pets are
nearby.
Keep in mind that the operator
or user is responsible
for
accidents
or hazards
occurring
to other
people
or their
property.
Do not carry
passengers.
All drivers
should
seek and obtain professional
and prac-
tical instruction.
Such instruction
should
emphasize:
the need
for care
and concentration
when
working
with ride-on
machines;
control
of a ride-on
machine
sliding
on a slope will
not be regained
by the application
of the brake.
The main reasons
for loss of control
are:
a) insufficient
wheel
grip;
b) being
driven too fast;
c) inadequate
braking;
d) the type of machine
is unsuitable
for its task;
e) lack
of
awareness
of
the
effect
of
ground
conditions,especially
slopes;
f) incorrect
hitching
and load distribution.
II. PREPARATION
To reduce
tile risk of fire - before use, when refueling
and
at the end of each mowing
session
- inspect
and remove
any debris
buildup
from the tractor,
mower
and behind
al
guards.
While mowing,
always wear substantial
footwear
and long
trousers.
Do not operate
the equipment
when barefoot
or wearing
open sandals.
Thoroughly
inspect
the area where
the equipment
is to
be used and remove
all objects
which may be thrown
by
the machine.
WARNING
- Petrol
is highly
flammable.
Store fuel in containers
specifically
designed
for this
purpose.
Refuel
outdoors
only and do not smoke
while
refu-
eling.
Add fuel before
starting
the engine.
Never
remove
the cap of the fuel tank or add petrol while the engine
is running
or when the engine
is hot.
If petrol
is spilled,
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 petrol
vapors
have dissipated.
Replace
all fuel tanks and container
caps securely.
Replace
faulty silencers.
Before
using,
always
visually
inspect
to see
that the
blades,
blade bolts and cutter
assembly
are not worn or
damaged.
Replace
worn
or damaged
blades
and bolts
in sets to preserve
balance.
On multi-bladed
machines,
take care as rotating
one blade
can cause other blades
to rotate.
III, OPERATION
Do not operate tile 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 more than
5 °.
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 down-
hill;
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 the slope,
unless
the
lawnmower
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 counterweight(s)
or wheel
weights
when
sug-
gested
in the instruction
handbook.
Watch
out for traffic when
crossing
or near roadways.
Stop the blades
from
rotating
before
crossing
surfaces
other than
grass.
When
using any attachments,
never
direct
discharge
of
material
toward
bystanders
nor allow
anyone
near the
machine
while in operation.
Never
operate
the
lawnmower
with
defective
guards,
shields
or without
safety protective
devices
in place.
Do not change
the engine governor
settings
or overspeed
theengine.
Operatingthe
engine at excessive
speed may
increase
the hazard
of personal
injury.
Before
leaving
the operator's
position:
disengage
the power
take-off
and lower the attach-
ments;
change
into neutral
and set the parking
brake;
stop the engine
and remove
the key.
Disengage
drive
to attachments,
stop the engine,
and
disconnect
the spark
plug wire(s)
or remove
the ignition
key
before
cleaning
blockages
or unclogging
chute;
before
checking,
cleaning
or working
on the lawn-
mower;
after striking
a foreign
object.
Inspect
the lawnmower
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.
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