toward you. Stop the blade(s) when crossing
gravel surfaces.
– Start the engine carefully according to
instructions and with your feet well away from
the blade(s) and not in front of the discharge
chute.
– Use extreme caution when reversing or pulling
the machine toward you.
– Stop the blade if you must transport the
machine to and from the mowing area and
when crossing surfaces other than grass.
Slope Safety
•
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control
and rollover accidents, which can result in severe
injury or death. You are responsible for safe slope
operation. Operating the machine on any slope
requires extra caution. Before using the machine
on a slope, do the following:
– Review and understand the slope instructions
in the manual and on the machine.
– Evaluate the site conditions of the day to
determine if the slope is safe for machine
operation. Use common sense and good
judgment when performing this evaluation.
Changes in the terrain, such as moisture, can
quickly affect the operation of the machine on
a slope.
•
Operate across slopes, never up and down. Avoid
operation on excessively steep or wet slopes.
Poor footing could cause a slip-and-fall accident.
•
Identify hazards at the base of the slope. Do
not operate the machine near drop-offs, ditches,
embankments, water, or other hazards. The
machine could suddenly roll over if a wheel goes
over the edge or the edge collapses. Keep a safe
distance between the machine and any hazard.
Use a handheld tool to operate in these areas.
•
Avoid starting, stopping, or turning the machine on
slopes. Avoid making sudden changes in speed or
direction; turn slowly and gradually.
•
Do not operate a machine under any conditions
where traction, steering or stability is in question.
Be aware that operating the machine on wet
grass, across slopes or downhill may cause the
machine to lose traction. Loss of traction to the
drive wheels may result in sliding and a loss of
braking and steering. The machine can slide even
if the drive wheels are stopped.
•
Remove or mark obstacles such as ditches, holes,
ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden hazards. Tall
grass can hide obstacles. Uneven terrain could
overturn the machine.
•
If you lose control of the machine, step away from
the direction of travel of the machine.
•
Always keep the machine in gear when going
down slopes. Do not coast downhill (applicable
only to gear-drive units).
Operating the Parking
Brakes and Neutral Locks
WARNING
Children or bystanders may be injured if they
move or attempt to operate the machine while
it is unattended.
Always park the machine on a level surface,
engage the parking brake, and remove
the ignition key if you leave the machine
unattended.
Engaging the Parking Brakes
1.
Squeeze the drive levers
1. Handle
2. Neutral/parking-brake lock
3. P
position
ARK
2.
Place your thumbs on the upper part of the locks
and move them forward in into the P
(Figure
5).
3.
Disengage the drive levers.
Disengaging the Parking Brakes
1.
Squeeze the drive levers rearward
2.
Place your thumbs on the upper part of the locks
and move them rearward until they are in the
D
position
RIVE
13
(Figure
5).
Figure 5
4. F
ULL SPEED FORWARD
position
5. Drive lever
6. N
position
EUTRAL
ARK
(Figure
(Figure
5).
g001497
position
5).