Poulan PO1538C 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, and follow all instructions in the • Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, manual and on the machine before starting. turn 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 • Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc., the 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 • Be sure the area is clear of other people before mow- cause sliding. ing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area. • Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot • Never carry passengers. on 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. III. CHILDREN • Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without the presence of children. Children are often attracted to either the entire grass catcher or the guard in place. the machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that • Slow down before turning. children will remain where you last saw them. • Never leave a running machine unattended. Always • Keep children out of the mowing area and under the turn off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and watchful care of another responsible adult. remove keys before dismounting. • Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the • Turn off blades when not mowing. area. • Stop engine before removing grass catcher or un- • Before and when backing, look behind and down for clogging chute. small 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 injured or interfere with safe machine operation. of 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. • Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck. IV. SERVICE • Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above, • Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. are involved in a large percentage of riding mower-re- They are flammable and vapors are explosive. lated injuries. These operators should evaluate their - Use only an approved container. ability to operate the riding mower safely enough to - Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine protect themselves and others from serious injury. running. Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do • Keep machine free of grass , leaves or other debris not smoke. build-up which can touch hot exhaust / engine parts - Never refuel the machine indoors. and burn. 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. there is an open flame, such as a water heater. Clean any oil or fuel spillage before operating or • Never run a machine inside a closed area. storing the machine. Allow machine to cool before • Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, storage. tight and keep equipment in good condition. • Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper II. SLOPE OPERATION operation regularly. Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tipover • Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris 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. build-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, dam- overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles. age, and deterioration, which could expose moving • Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check not have to stop or shift while on the slope. components and replace with manufacturer's recom- • Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel mended parts, 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. • Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction. as required. • Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose trac- tion, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope. 2