3
SAFE OPERATIONS PRACTICES
8. Disengage blade(s), move the drive control levers fully
outward to 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” (25cm). 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 blade(s) 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 and be seriously injured or interfere with safe
tractor operation. 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.
4. Be alert and turn tractor off if a child or bystander enters the
area.
5. To avoid back-over accidents, always look behind and down
for small children.
6. 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.
5. The ROPS extends above and behind the operator position,
and therefore the operator must be aware of potential
contact of the ROPS with items such as tree limbs, buildings,
doorways, clothes lines, utility/guy wires, etc., that could
cause the tractor to tip-over or rollover. Use caution in (or
avoid) areas where the ROPS could come in contact with any
structures, trees, etc.
6. A brush guard or canopy may contact/deflect tree limbs,
buildings, doorways, clothes lines, utility/guy wires, etc. that
otherwise would come in contact with the ROPS. Contact
of the ROPS and/or canopy with such items may create
hazardous conditions whereby the tractor could experience
a tip-over or roll-over.
7. The ROPS and seat belt are integral parts of this tractor and
should not be tampered with, modified in any manner, or
removed.
8. Inspect the ROPS and seat belt assemblies per the
maintenance schedule shown in this manual for damage
or loose hardware. Replace all components that are loose,
damaged or not functioning properly with authorized
replacement parts.
9. Failure to use the seat belt properly could result in serious
injury or death if an accidental overturn occurs. For the
ROPS in the full up position to be effective, the seat belt
must be securely fastened around the operator at all times
when the operator is on the tractor. The tractor operator
coming in contact with the ROPS during a tip-over or
rollover could cause serious injury or death.
10. The ROPS will not prevent tractor from tip-overs or roll-
overs.
11. Do not assume ROPS will protect you in a tip-over or roll-
over. Injuries may still occur.
Operating
1. Data indicates that operators, age 65 years and above, are
involved in a large percentage of riding tractor-related
injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability
to operate the riding tractor safely enough to protect
themselves and others from serious injury.
2. Disengage blade(s) and move the drive control levers fully
outward to set the parking brake before attempting to start the
engine.
3. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the
cutting deck. Contact with the blade(s) can amputate hands
and feet.
4. Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects.
Uneven terrain could overturn the tractor. Tall grass can hide
obstacles.
5. Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of material
toward roads, sidewalks, helpers and the like. Avoid
discharging material against a wall or obstruction which
may cause discharged material to ricochet back toward the
operator.
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), move drive control levers fully outward into park
position, stop engine and remove key before dismounting.