5Safety I nstructionsPay particular attention to any information labeledDANGER, WARNING, CAUTION, IMPORTANT,and NOTE in this manual.When you see the Safety Alert Symbol ( ), read,understand, and follow the instructions. Failure tocomply with safety instructions may result in person-al injury.The seriousness or degree of importance of eachtype of information is defined as follows:DANGERAn IMMEDIATE hazard that WILL result insevere personal injury or DEATH, if warn-ing is ignored and proper safety precau-tions are not taken.WARNINGA POTENTIAL hazard that COULD result insevere personal injury or DEATH, if warn-ing is ignored and proper safety precau-tions are not taken.CAUTIONPossible hazards or unsafe practices thatMAY result in MODERATE personal injuryor property damage, or machine damage, ifwarning is ignored and proper safety pre-cautions are not taken.IMPORTANT: Identifies mechanical informationdemanding special attention, since it deals with thepossibility of damaging a part or parts of the ma-chine.NOTE: Identifies information worthy of specialattention.Walker Manufacturing cannot predict every poten-tially dangerous situation. Therefore, items labeledas such in this manual do not cover all conceivablesituations. Any person using procedures, tools, orcontrol techniques not recommended by WalkerManufacturing must take full responsibility for safety.The Walker Rider Lawnmower has been designedwith many safety features to protect the operatorfrom personal harm or injury. However, it is neces-sary for the operator to use safe operating proce-dures at all times. Failure to follow safety instruc-tions contained in this manual may result inpersonal injury or damage to equipment or prop-erty.If you have any questions concerning setup, opera-tion, maintenance, or safety, please contact yourauthorized Walker Mower dealer or call WalkerManufacturing Company at (970) 221-5614.BEFORE OPERATING1. Read and understand the contents of thisOperator’s Manual before starting and oper-ating the machine. Become thoroughly famil-iar with all machine controls and how to stop themachine and disengage the controls quickly.Replacement Operator’s Manuals are availableby sending the Model and Serial Number to:Walker Manufacturing Company5925 East Harmony RoadFort Collins, CO 805282. Never allow children to operate rider mower.Do not allow adults to operate without properinstruction.3. Do not allow anyone other than the operator onthe machine.4. Keep everyone, especially children and pets, asafe distance away from the area of operation.Do not mow with bystanders in the area.5. Do not operate the machine barefoot or wear-ing sandals, sneakers, tennis shoes, or similarlightweight footwear. Wear substantial pro-tective footwear.6. Do not wear loose fitting clothing that could getcaught in moving parts. Do not operate thismachine while wearing shorts; always wearadequate protective clothing, including longpants. Wearing safety glasses, safety shoes,and a helmet is advisable and required by somelocal ordinances and insurance regulations.