Poulan PO15538A 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 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 back- cause sliding. • Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground. • Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes. ing. • Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without either the entire grass catcher or the guard in place. • Slow down before turning. • Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys before dismounting. • Turn off blades when not mowing. III. CHILDREN Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them. • Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of another responsible adult. • Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the • Stop engine before removing grass catcher or un- area. clogging chute. • Before and when backing, look behind and down for • Mow only in daylight or good artificial light. small children. • Do not operate the machine while under the influence • Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously of alcohol or drugs. injured or interfere with safe machine operation. • Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing road- • Never allow children to operate the machine. ways. • Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, • Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck. trees, or other objects that may obscure vision. • Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above, IV. SERVICE 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 themselves and others from serious injury. • 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 occur. Clean any oil or fuel spillage before operating or storing the machine. Allow machine to cool before storage. • Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They are flammable and vapors are explosive. - Use only an approved container. - Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do not smoke. - Never refuel the machine indoors. - Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an open flame, such as a water heater. • Never run a machine inside a closed area. • Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, II. SLOPE OPERATION tight and keep equipment in good condition. Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tipover 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. • Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly. • Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool before storing. DO: • Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object. • Mow up and down slopes, not across. Repair, if necessary, before restarting. • Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc. • Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine • Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could running. overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles. • Grass catcher components are subject to wear, dam- • Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will age, and deterioration, which could expose moving not have to stop or shift while on the slope. parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check • Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel components and replace with manufacturer's recom- weights or counterweights to improve stability. mended parts, when necessary. • Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. • Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) These can change the stability of the machine. or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing • Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. them. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction. • Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service • Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose trac- as required. tion, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope. 2