Safety Instructions - Operating1314. The maximum recommended slope operat-ing angle is 15 degrees or 26% grade. Whenoperating the machine on a slope, reduce speedand use caution to start, stop, and maneuver.To prevent tipping or loss of control of the ma-chine, avoid sharp turns or sudden changes indirection. Do not operate the machine on aslope greater than 15 degrees.15. Never adjust cutting height with the enginerunning. Before adjusting cutting height orservicing, disengage the blade clutch (PTO),stop the engine, and remove the ignition key.Wait for all movement to stop before getting offthe seat.NOTE: A blade/blower brake should normallystop drive line rotation within five (5) seconds ofdisengaging the PTO clutch.16. For side discharge mower decks, do not oper-ate with the grass deflector shield removed.Keep the deflector in the lowest possible posi-tion.17. When using the tilt-up deck, observe the fol-lowing recommendations:a. Do not move tractor with deck in tilt-upposition.b. Never tilt body forward with deck in tilt-upposition.18. Do not operate the machine with the grasscatcher in the DUMP position or with theback door OPEN. Dangerous projectiles maybe thrown out of the discharge chute or the backof the grass catcher.19. Use care when closing the grass catcherdoor. Keep fingers and hands away from thehinge and pinch points when the door is beingclosed. Also, keep fingers and hands clear ofthe door frame. The door is held closed withsprings and the door may slam shut with con-siderable force.20. In case of a clogged or plugged mower deckor GHS catching system:a. Disengage the blade clutch (PTO) and turnthe engine off before leaving the seat.b. LOOK to make sure blade drive shaft andblower drive pulley movement has stoppedbefore trying to unclog the system.c. Disconnect the spark plug wire.d. Never place hands under the deck or in theGHS blower - use a stick or similar tool toremove clogged material.21. If the cutting blades strike a solid object or themachine begins to vibrate abnormally,immediately disengage the blade clutch(PTO), stop the engine, and wait for allmoving parts to stop. To prevent accidentalstarting, disconnect the spark plug wire.Thoroughly inspect the mower and repair anydamage before restarting the engine andoperating the mower. Make sure cutter bladesare in good condition and blade nuts are torquedto 60 lb·ft (81 N·m).22. Do not touch the engine or muffler while theengine is running or immediately after stop-ping the engine. These areas may be hotenough to cause serious burns.23. When leaving the machine unattended, disen-gage the blade clutch (PTO), stop the en-gine, and remove the key.CAUTIONUse leg muscles and firm footing when lift-ing the catcher to dump; avoid bending atthe waist and using back muscles in orderto prevent back injury.