Safety Instructions - Operating1214. 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. For GHS equipped models, do not operate themachine with the grass catcher in the DUMPposition or with the back door OPEN. Dan-gerous projectiles may be thrown out of the dis-charge chute or the back of the grass catcher.19. For GHS equipped models, use care whenclosing the grass catcher door. Keep fingersand hands away from the hinge and pinchpoints when the door is being closed. Also,keep fingers and hands clear of the door frame.The door may slam shut with considerableforce.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 wires.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, immedi-ately disengage the blade clutch (PTO), stopthe engine, and wait for all moving parts tostop. To prevent accidental starting, disconnectthe spark plug wires. Thoroughly inspect themower and repair any damage before restartingthe engine and operating the mower. Makesure cutter blades are in good condition andblade nuts are torqued to 60 lb·ft (81 N·m) forgear driven decks, and blade bolts torqued to70 lb·ft (90 N·m) for belt driven decks.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.