6. Check to make sure the blades come to a complete stop in
not more than five seconds after disengaging the blade
disengagement control per the schedule shown on the
Maintenance Schedule chart in the Service and Maintenance
section of this manual. Measure the stopping time with a stop
watch. If the blades do not stop completely in less than five
seconds, your tractor should be serviced professionally by an
authorized dealer.
7. Check the safety interlock system for proper function per the
schedule shown on the Maintenance Schedule chart in the
Service and Maintenance section of this manual. If the safety
interlock system does not function properly, have your tractor
serviced professionally by an authorized dealer.
8. Never tamper with the safety interlock system or other safety
devices. Check their proper operation regularly.
9. Check the blade(s) and engine mounting bolt torque in
accordance to Maintenance Schedule chart in this manual.
Also, visually inspect blade(s) for damage (e.g., excessive
wear, bent, cracked). Replace the blade(s) with the original
equipment manufacturer's (O.E.M.) blade(s) only.
10. Use of service parts which do not meet the original
equipment specifications may lead to improper performance
and compromise safety.
11. Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the equipment
is in safe working condition. Review the Maintenance
Schedule chart in this manual for service interval information.
12. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect
the spark plug wire(s) and ground against the engine.
Thoroughly inspect the tractor for any damage. Repair the
damage before starting and operating.
13. Never attempt to make adjustments or repairs to the tractor
while the engine is running.
14. Grass catcher components and the chute deflector are subject
to wear and damage which could expose moving parts or
allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check components
and replace immediately with original equipment
manufacturer's (O.E.M.) parts only.
15. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as necessary.
16. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for gas, oil, etc.
to protect the environment.
NOTICE REGARDING EMISSIONS
Engines which are certified to comply with California and
federal EPA emission regulations for SORE (Small Off Road
Equipment) are certified to operate on regular unleaded
gasoline and may include the following emission control
systems: Engine Modification (EM) and Three Way
Catalyst (TWC) if so equipped.
When required, models are equipped with low
permeation fuel lines and fuel tanks for evaporative
emission control. California models may also include a
carbon canister. Please contact Customer Support for
information regarding the evaporative emission control
configuration for your model.
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
SPARK ARRESTOR
This tractor is equipped with an internal combustion
engine and should not be used on or near any
unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered or
grass-covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is
equipped with a spark arrestor meeting applicable local
or state laws (if any).
If a spark arrestor is used, it should be maintained in
effective working order by the operator. In the State of
California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of
the California Public Resources Code). Other states may
have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands.
A spark arrestor for the muffler is available through your
nearest engine authorized service dealer or contact the
service department, P.O. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio
44136-0019.
SLOPE GAUGE (BACK COVER)
Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents
which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes
require extra caution. If you feel uneasy on the slope, do
not mow it. Do not mow on slopes greater than 15° (25%).
Only mow across slopes, never mow up and down slopes.
USE THE SLOPE GAUGE ON THE BACK COVER AS SHOWN TO
DETERMINE IF A SLOPE IS TOO STEEP FOR SAFE OPERATION!
To check the slope, proceed as follows:
1. Open manual to page and fold along the dashed line.
2. Locate a vertical object on or behind the slope (e.g. a pole,
building, fence, tree, etc.).
3. Align either side of the slope gauge with the object.
4. Adjust gauge up or down until the left corner touches the slope.
5. If there is a gap below the gauge, the slope is too steep for
safe operation.
5
WARNING
WARNING