Poulan 178097 User Manual - Page 2

SAFETY RULES SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES FOR RIDE-ON 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 DO NOT: • Read,understand,andfollowallinstructionsinthemanual • Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn and on the machine before starting. slowly and gradually downhill, if possible. • Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the • Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. instructions, to operate the machine. The mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the • Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc., edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in. which could be picked up and thrown by the blade. • Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause • Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. sliding. Stop machine if anyone enters the area. • Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on • Never carry passengers. the ground. • Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. • Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes. Always look down and behind before and while backing. • Beawareofthemowerdischargedirectionanddonotpoint III. CHILDREN it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without either the Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the entire grass catcher or the guard in place. presence of children. Children are often attracted to the • Slow down before turning. machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that children • Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn will remain where you last saw them. off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove • Keep children out of the mowing area and under the keys before dismounting. watchful care of another responsible adult. • Turn off blades when not mowing. • Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area. • Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging • Before and when backing, look behind anddown for small chute. children. • Mow only in daylight or good artificial light. • Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously • Do not operate the machine while under the influence of injured or interfere with safe machine operation. alcohol or drugs. • Never allow children to operate the machine. • Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing road- • Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, ways. trees, or other objects that may obscure vision. • Useextracarewhenloadingorunloadingthemachineinto a trailer or truck. IV. SERVICE • Dataindicatesthatoperators,age60yearsandabove,are • Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They involved in a large percentage of riding mower-related are flammable and vapors are explosive. injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability to - Use only an approved container. operate the riding mower safely enough to protect them- - Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine selves and others from serious injury. running. Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do not • Keep machine free of grass , leaves or other debris build- smoke. up which can touch hot exhaust / engine parts and burn. - Never refuel the machine indoors. Do not allow the mower deck to plow leaves - Never store the machine or fuel container inside where or other debris which can cause build-up to occur. Clean there is an open flame, such as a water heater. any oil or fuel spillage before operating or storing the • Never run a machine inside a closed area. machine. Allow machine to cool before • Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, storage. tight and keep equipment in good condition. II. SLOPE OPERATION • Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly. Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tipover • Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build- 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. up. Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool before storing. • Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object. DO: Repair, if necessary, before restarting. • Mow up and down slopes, not across. • Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine • Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc. running. • Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could • Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage, overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles. and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or • Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will not allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check components have to stop or shift while on the slope. and replace with manufacturer's recommended parts, • Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel when necessary. weights or counterweights to improve stability. • Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) • Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing These can change the stability of the machine. them. • Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do • Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service not make sudden changes in speed or direction. as required. • Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope. 2