4General OperationNOTE: Determine the left and right sides of themachine from the normal operating position• Read, understand, and follow all instructions onthe machine and in the manual(s) before starting.Keep this manual in a safe place for future andregular reference.• Do not operate machine without the entire grasscatcher, proper guards, plates or other safetyprotective devices securely in place and working.• See manufacturer’s instructions for properoperation and installation of accessories. Only useaccessories approved by the manufacturer.• Do not put hands or feet near or under themachine.• Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.• Only allow responsible adults, who are familiarwith the instructions, to operate this machine.• Never leave a running machine unattended.• Be sure the area is clear of people and pets beforeoperating. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, sticks,toys, wire, etc., which could be thrown by theblade. Stay behind the handle when the engine isrunning.• Always wear substantial footwear while operating.Never operate the machine barefooted or whilewearing sandals or open toes shoes.• Always wear protective eyewear (safety googles/safety glasses with side shields) while operatingmachine.• Shorts should not be worn while operating.Read and understand the contents of this manualbefore you start the engine.Obey all safety messages that follow this symbolto avoid possible injury or death. Improperly usingor maintaining this mower could result in injuryor death. To reduce this potential, comply with thefollowing safety instructions.The following instructions have been adaptedfrom the ANSI/OPEI standard B71.1-2003.This cutting machine is capable of amputatinghands and feet and of throwing objects.Failure to observe the following safety instructionscould result in serious injury or death.Safety • Do not pull machine backward unless absolutelynecessary. Always look down and behind beforeand while moving backward.• Never direct discharged material towardanyone. Avoid discharging material against a wall orobstruction. Material may ricochet back towardthe operator. Stop the blade when crossing gravelsurfaces.• Operate machine only in daylight or goodartificial light.• Never operate machine while under the influenceof alcohol or drugs.• Never operate mower in wet grass. Always be sureof your footing; always walk while keeping a firmhold on the handle; never run.• Disengage the drive system, if so equipped, beforestarting the engine.• If the machine should start to vibrate abnormally,stop the engine and check for the causeimmediately. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.• Lightning can cause severe injury or death. If yousee lightning or hear thunder in the area, do notoperate the machine; seek shelter.• Stop the engine and wait until the blade comes toa complete stop before cleaning the machine, re-moving grass catcher, or unclogging the dischargeguard.Warning: Slopes are a major factor related to slipand fall accidents, which can result in severe injury.Operation on all slopes require extra caution. If youfeel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.• Mow across the face of slopes; never up anddown. Exercise extreme caution when changingdirection on slopes.• Do not mow on wet grass or excessively steepslopes. Poor footing could cause a slip and fallaccident.• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, exposedroots or other hidden objects. Uneventerrain could cause a slip and fall accident. Tallgrass can hide obstacles.• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, orembankments. You could lose your footing or balance.Slope Operation