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Operation
Read the Operator Safety section before you operate this
machine. Make sure that you know the controls and how to
stop the unit.
Operating Area
1. Know the area where you plan to operate the mower.
2. Make sure that the area is free of unwanted material that
could be picked up by the blades and thrown.
DANGER
This machine is capable of throwing objects that could
injure bystanders or cause damage to buildings.
• Do not operate the machine without the entire grass
catcher, discharge chute, or other safety devices in
place and functioning properly. Check frequently for
signs of wear or detoriation and replace as needed.
• Clear the operating area of any objects which could
be thrown by or interfere with the operation of the
machine.
3. Move the rider mower outside, before you start the
engine.
WARNING
Engines give off carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless,
poison gas. Breathing carbon monoxide can cause nausea,
fainting, or death.
4. Note all slopes and drop-offs.
Height-of-Cut Switch (if equipped)
DANGER
Operating on slopes, or near water, or drop-offs can result
in loss of control and roll-over.
• Mow up and down slopes not across.
• Reduce speed and be careful on slopes.
• Do not operate on slopes over 10 degrees, which is a
3.5 foot rise over a 20 foot length.
• Give yourself a minimum of two mower widths of
clearance around water, retaining walls, or drop-offs.
• Avoid mowing wet grass.
• Do not operate machine under any condition where
traction, steering, or stability is in question. Tires could
slide even if the wheels are stopped.
• Avoid starting and stopping on slopes.
• Avoid making sudden changes in speed or direction.
• Make turns slowly and gradually.
• Be careful while operating machine with a grass catcher
or other attachment(s). They can affect the stability of
the machine.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for weight
limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes.
See Towed Equipment.
5. Make sure that the operating area is clear of bystanders,
especially children.
DANGER
This rider mower is capable of amputating hands and feet.
• Stop the mower when children or others are near.
• Keep children out of the operating area and under the
watchful care of a responsible adult.
• Do not carry passengers, especially children, even
with the blade(s) shut off. Children can fall off and be
seriously injured or interfere with the safe machine
operation. Children who have been given rides in
the past can suddenly appear in the mowing area for
another ride and be run over or backed over by the
machine.
• Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that obscure vision.
Safety Interlock System Tests
This machine is equipped with a Safety Interlock System.
Do not attempt to bypass or tamper with the switches and
devices.
WARNING
If the machine does not pass a safety test, do not
operate the machine. See an authorized dealer.
Test 1 — Engine should NOT crank if
• The Power-Take-Off (PTO) switch is ON, OR
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