6Safety I nstructions7. Prolonged exposure to loud noise can cause im-pairment or loss of hearing. Operator hearingprotection is recommended. Wear a suitablehearing protective device, such as earmuffs orearplugs.8. Keep all protective shields and safetydevices in place. If a protective shield, safe-ty device, or decal is damaged, unusable, ormissing, repair or replace it before operatingthe machine.9. Be sure interlock switches are functioningcorrectly, so the engine cannot be started un-less the Forward Speed Control lever is in theNEUTRAL-PARK position, and the PTO clutchis in the DISENGAGED position. Also, the en-gine should stop if the operator lifts off the seatwith either the Forward Speed Control (FSC)out of the NEUTRAL-PARK position or the PTOclutch in the ENGAGED position.10. Handle gasoline with care. Gasoline is highlyflammable and its vapors are explosive:a. Use an approved fuel container.b. Never add fuel to a running engine or hotengine (allow hot engine to cool severalminutes).c. Keep matches, cigarettes, cigars, pipes,open flames, or sparks away from the fueltank and fuel container.d. Always fill the fuel tank outdoors using care.Fill to about one inch from the top of thetank. Use a funnel or spout to prevent spill-ing.e. Replace the machine fuel cap and contain-er cap securely and clean up any spilledfuel before starting the engine.12. Never attempt to make any adjustmentswhile the engine is running, except wherespecifically instructed to do so.13. The electrical system battery contains sulfuricacid. Avoid any contact with skin, eyes, andclothing. Keep the battery and acid out of reachof children.WARNINGThis product can expose you tochemicals including Phenylethane which isknown to the State of California tocause cancer, and N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone,which is known to the State of Californiato cause birth defects or other reproductiveharm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.OPERATINGNOTE: Refer to your tractor Operator’s Manualfor safety instructions for operating the tractor.1. Operate the machine only in daylight or ingood artificial light with good visibility of areasbeing cleaned.2. Sit on the seat when starting the engine and op-erating the machine. Keep feet on footrests atall times when the tractor is moving and/or themower blades are operating.3. For a beginning operator, learn to steer (ma-neuver) the tractor with a slow engine speedbefore attempting any mowing operation.Be aware that, with the front mounted mowerdeck configuration, the back of the machineswings to the outside during turns.DANGERDo not operate around overhanging treebranches or bushes at the same height asthe operator’s torso and head where inad-vertent contact may cause injury.4. Remember, for an emergency stop, the forwardmotion of the tractor can always be stopped bypulling the Forward Speed Control (FSC) intothe NEUTRAL-PARK position.