Poulan PB22H54BF User Manual - Page 3

SAFETY RULES Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers III. CHILDREN GENERAL SERVICE Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to • Never operate machine in a closed area. the presence of children. Children are often attracted • Keep all nuts and bolts tight to be sure the equip- to the machine and the mowing activity. Never assume ment is in safe working condition. that children will remain where you last saw them. • Never tamper with safety devices. Check their • Keep children out of the mowing area and in the proper operation regularly. 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. • Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuel-soaked debris. Allow machine to cool before storing. • If you strike a foreign object, stop and inspect the machine. Repair, if necessary, before restarting. • Never make any adjustments or repairs with the engine running. • Check grass catcher components and the discharge guard frequently and replace with manufacturer's recommended parts, when necessary. • Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them. • Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as required. IV. TOWING • Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed • Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as necessary. for towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at the hitch point. • Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for weight limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes. • Never allow children or others in or on towed equipment. • On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may cause loss of traction and loss of control. • Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before operating. Stop machine if anyone enters the area. • Never carry passengers. • Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop. • Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. V. SERVICE Always look down and behind before and while backing. SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE • Never carry children, even with the blades shut To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive. • Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources of ignition. • Use only approved gasoline container. • Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow engine to cool before refueling. • Never fuel the machine indoors. • Never store the machine or fuel container where 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. • 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. there is an open flame, spark, or pilot light such as on a water heater or other appliances. • Before and while backing, look behind and down for small children. • Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer bed with plastic liner. Always place containers on the ground away from your vehicle when filling. • Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel such equipment with a portable container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle. • Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or container opening at all times until fueling is • Mow up and down slopes (15° Max), not across. • Choose a low ground speed so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope. • Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If the tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope. • If machine stops while going uphill, disengage blades, shift into reverse and back down slowly. • Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible. complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device. • If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing im- mediately. • Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas cap and tighten securely. 3