3
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
6. Check overhead clearances carefully before driving under
low hanging tree branches, wires, door openings, etc., where
the operator may be struck or pulled from the tractor, which
could result in serious injury.
7. Never leave a running tractor unattended. Always turn off
blade(s), set the parking brake, stop the engine, and remove
the key before dismounting.
8. Disengage blade(s), set the parking brake, stop engine,
and wait until the blade(s) come to a complete stop before
removing grass catcher, emptying grass, unclogging chute,
removing any grass or debris, or making any adjustments.
9. Your 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. Back up slowly. Always look down and behind before and
while backing to avoid a back-over accident.
11. Never carry passengers.
12. Stay at least 10 feet (3 meters) from drop-offs, ditches,
embankments, or the edge of water. The tractor could
suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff, ditch,
or if an edge caves in.
13. A missing or damaged chute deflector can cause blade
contact or thrown object injuries.
14. Do not operate the tractor without the chute deflector or
entire grass catcher in its proper place.
15. Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments.
These can change the stability of the tractor. Always follow
the attachment manufacturer’s instructions.
16. Stop the blades when crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads
and while not cutting grass.
17. Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways.
This tractor is not intended for use on any public roadway.
18. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
19. Do not operate the tractor while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
20. Slow down before turning. Operate the tractor smoothly.
Avoid erratic operation and excessive speed.
21. The muffler and engine become very hot and can cause
serious burn injuries. Do not touch. Allow the tractor to cool
for five minutes before attempting any service.
22. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and
deadly gas.
CHILDREN
1. Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the
tractor and the mowing activity. They do not understand the
dangers. Never assume that children will remain where you
last saw them.
2. Keep bystanders, children, and pets inside during operation
under the watchful care of a responsible adult other than the
operator. Stop tractor if anyone enters the area.
3. Never carry children, even with the blade(s) shut off. They
may fall off or interfere with safe tractor operation, causing
serious injury or death.
4. Children who have been given rides in the past could
suddenly appear in the mowing area for another ride and be
run over or backed over by the tractor, causing serious injury
or death.
5. Be alert and turn tractor off if a child or bystander enters
the area.
6. To avoid back-over accidents, always look behind and down
for small children.
7. Use extreme care when approaching blind corners, doorways,
shrubs, trees, or other objects that may block your vision of a
child who may run into the path of the tractor.
8. Never allow children under 14 years of age to operate this
tractor. Children 14 and over should read and understand
the instructions and safe operation practices in this manual
and on the tractor and should be trained and supervised by
an adult.
9. Do not allow any child to joyride on the tractor. The tractor is
not a toy or a go-cart. Warn children that the tractor can be
dangerous and they must stay away from it at all times.
10. Keep children away from hot or running engines. They can
suffer burns from a hot muffler.
11. Remove key when tractor is unattended to prevent
unauthorized operation. Make certain the key is inaccessible
to small children.
SLOPE OPERATION
1. Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-
over accidents which can result in severe injury or death. All
slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope
or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.
2. For your safety, measure any slope before using the tractor
on the sloped area. Use a slope measuring device in addition
to the slope gauge included as part of this manual to measure
slopes before operating this tractor on a sloped or hilly area.
Smart phone applications can also be utilized to measure
slopes. If the slope is greater than 15° (25%) as shown on the
slope gauge or a slope measuring device, do not operate this
tractor on that area or serious injury could result.