Poulan 532402705 - Manual (Page 2)

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I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine
and in the manual before starting.
• Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the
machine. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.
• Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the
in struc tions, to operate the machine.
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc.,
which could be picked up and thrown by the blades.
• Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before operating.
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 back ing.
• Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid
discharging material against a wall or obstruction. Material
may ricochet back toward the operator. Stop the blades when
crossing gravel surfaces.
• Do not operate machine without the entire grass catcher,
discharge guard, or other safety devices in place and work-
ing.
• Slow down before turning.
• Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn
off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys
before dismounting.
• Disengage blades when not mowing. Shut off engine and
wait for all parts to come to a complete stop before cleaning
the machine, removing the grass catcher, or unclogging the
discharge guard.
• Operate machine only in daylight or good artifi cial light.
• Do not operate the machine while under the infl uence of
alcohol or drugs.
• Watch for traffi c when operating near or crossing road-
ways.
• Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into
a trailer or truck.
• Always wear eye protection when operating machine.
SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROW ING OBJECTS. FAILURE
TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
WARNING: In order to prevent ac-
ci den tal starting when setting up,
trans port ing, ad just ing or making re-
pairs, al ways dis con nect spark plug
wire and place wire where it can not
contact spark plug.
WARNING: Do not coast down a hill
in neutral, you may lose control of the
tractor.
WARNING: Tow only the attachments
that are rec om mend ed by and com-
ply with spec i fi ca tions of the man u -
fac tur er of your tractor. Use common
sense when towing. Operate only at
the low est possible speed when on a
slope. Too heavy of a load, while on
a slope, is dan ger ous. Tires can lose
trac tion with the ground and cause you
to lose control of your tractor.
• Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above, are
involved in a large percentage of riding mower-related injuries.
These operators should evaluate their ability to operate the
riding mower safely enough to protect them selves and others
from serious injury.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for wheel weights
or counterweights.
• Keep machine free of grass , leaves or other debris
build-up which can touch hot exhaust/engine parts
and burn. Do not allow the mower deck to plow leaves
or other debris which can cause build-up to oc-
cur. Clean any oil or fuel spillage before operating or
storing the machine. Allow machine to cool before
storage.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-over
accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. Operation
on all slopes requires extra caution. If you cannot back up the
slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.
• Mow up and down slopes, not across.
• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects.
Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can
hide obstacles.
• Choose a low ground speed so that you will not have to stop
or shift while on the slope.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Tires may lose traction.
Always keep the machine in gear when going down slopes.
Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.
• Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If the tires lose
traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight
down the slope.
• Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not
make sudden changes in speed or direction, which could
cause the machine to roll over.
• Use extra care while operating machine with grass catch-
ers or other at tach ments; they can affect the stability of the
machine. Do no use on steep slopes.
• Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on
the ground.
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The
machine could suddenly roll over if a wheel is over the edge
or if the edge caves in.
III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the pres-
ence of children. Children are often attracted to the ma chine
and the mowing activity. Never assume that children will remain
where you last saw them.
• Keep children out of the mowing area and in the watchful
care of a responsible adult other than the operator.
• Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the area.
• Before and while backing, look behind and down for small
children.
• Never carry children, even with the blades shut off. They may
fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine
operation. Children who have been given rides in the past
may suddenly appear in the mowing area for another ride
and be run over or backed over by the machine.
• Never allow children to operate the machine.
• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may block your view of a child.