Swisher AZ Series - Manual (Page 4)

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SAFETY RULES
Safety Operation Practices for Riding Mowers
IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS
CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND
FEET, AND THROWING OBJECTS. FAILURE
TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS
INJURY OR DEATH.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all instructions in
the manual and on the machine before starting.
• Read this operator’s manual carefully. Become
familiar with the controls and know how to
operate your mower properly.
• Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar
with the instructions, to operate the machine.
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys,
wire, etc. which could be picked up and thrown
by the blade.
• Be sure the area is clear of other people before
mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
• Never carry passengers.
• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely
necessary. Always look down and behind before
and while backing.
• Be aware of the mower discharge direction and
do not point it at anyone. Do not operate the
mower without the guards in place.
• Slow down before turning.
• Never leave a running machine unattended.
Always turn off blades, and stop engine.
• Turn off blades when not mowing.
• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
• Do not operate the machine while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing
roadways.
• Use extra care when loading or unloading the
machine into a trailer or truck.
• Disengage power to mower, stop engine when
transporting or not in use.
• Exercise special care when mowing around fixed
objects in order to prevent the blades from
striking them. Never deliberately run tractor or
mower onto or over any foreign object.
• Use mower only as the manufacturer intended
and as described in the manual.
• Do not operate mower if it has been dropped or
damaged in any manner. Always have damage
repaired before using your mower.
• Always wear safety glasses or eye shields when
starting and while using your mower.
• Dress properly. Do not operate mower when
barefoot or wearing open sandals. Wear only solid
shoes with good traction when mowing.
• Always make cutting height adjustments before
starting your mower. Never attempt to do this while
the engine is running.
• Keep your eyes and mind on your mower and the
area being cut.
• Do not let other interests distract you.
• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating
parts. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all
times.
• Before cleaning, inspecting, or repairing your
mower, stop the engine and make absolutely sure
the blade and all moving parts have stopped. Then
disconnect the spark plug wire and keep it away
from the spark plug to prevent accidental starting.
• Do not operate your mower if it vibrates
abnormally. Excessive vibration is an indication of
damage; stop the engine, safely check for the cause
of vibration and repair as required.
• Never operate your mower without proper guards,
plates, or other safety devices in place.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and
tipover accidents, which can result in severe injury or
death. All slopes requires extra caution. If you feel
uneasy on it, do not mow it.
Look for this symbol to point out important
safety precautions. It means CAUTION!!!
BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS
INVOLVED!!!
!
CAUTION:
ALWAYS DISCONNECT SPARK PLUG
WIRE AND PLACE IT WHERE IT
CANNOT CONTACT SPARK PLUG IN
ORDER TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL
STARTING WHEN SETTING UP,
TRANSPORTING, ADJUSTING OR
MAKING REPAIRS.
!