4. Do not mow up or down slopes, only mow across slopes
that are less than 20° (35%). Use low speeds and avoid
sudden turns.
5. Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause
sliding or a loss of control.
6. Do not operate tractor under any conditions where traction,
steering, or stability is in question. Tires could slide even if
the wheels are stopped.
7. Avoid starting and stopping on slopes. Avoid making
sudden changes in speed or direction. Make turns slowly
and gradually.
8. Use extra care while operating tractor with grass catcher
or other attachment(s). They can affect the stability of the
tractor. Do not use grass catcher on slopes greater than
10° (17%).
9. Do not try to stabilize the tractor by putting a foot on
the ground.
10. Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual. Do not make
sudden changes in speed or direction. Rapid acceleration
could cause the front of the tractor to lift and rapidly roll over
backwards, which could cause serious injury or death.
SLOPE GAUGE (BACK COVER)
WARNING
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 20° (35%).
Do not mow up and down slopes, only mow across 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 the back cover 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.
FIRE AND FUEL
1. To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme
care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable
and the vapors are explosive. Serious personal injury
can occur when gasoline is spilled on yourself or your
clothes, which can ignite. Wash your skin and change
clothes immediately.
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
4
2. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources
of ignition.
3. Use only an approved gasoline container.
4. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine is hot
or running. Allow engine to cool at least five minutes
before refueling.
5. Never fuel tractor indoors.
6. Never store the tractor or fuel container inside where there is
an open flame, spark, or pilot light as on a water heater, space
heater, furnace, clothes dryer, or other gas appliances.
7. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and equipment.
Clean up oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuel-soaked
debris. Move tractor to another area. Wait five minutes
before starting the engine.
8. To reduce fire hazards, keep tractor free of grass, leaves, or
other debris build-up. Follow the Post-Operation Tractor Care
instructions in the Product Care section.
9. The tractor is designed to cut normal residential grass of a
height no more than 10 inches (25 cm). Do not attempt to
mow through unusually tall, dry grass (e.g., pasture) or piles
of dry leaves. Dry grass or leaves may contact the engine
exhaust and/or build up on the tractor deck presenting a
potential fire hazard.
10. Never overfill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than 1/2 inch
(13 mm) below bottom of filler neck to allow space for
fuel expansion.
11. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely. Do not operate
without fuel cap in place.
12. Allow tractor to cool at least five minutes before fueling
or storing.
13. Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer
bed with a plastic liner. Always place containers on the
ground away from your vehicle before filling.
14. When practical, remove gas-powered equipment from
the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is
not possible, then refuel such equipment on a trailer
with a portable container, rather than from a gasoline
dispenser nozzle.
15. Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or
container opening at all times until fueling is complete. Do
not use a nozzle lock-open device.
HAULING
1. Use properly secured full width ramps for loading and
unloading tractor for transport.
2. Use extra care when loading or unloading the tractor into a
trailer or truck. This tractor should not be driven up or down
ramp(s), because the tractor could tip over, causing serious
personal injury. The tractor must be pushed manually on
ramp(s) to load or unload properly.