5SAFETYTRAINING:1. Read this manual carefully and question your dealer if something is not clear.2. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and proper use of the equipment.3. Never allow children, teenagers, or people unfamiliar with these instructions to use themower.4. Do not mow while people, particularly children, or pets are nearby.PREPARATION:1. The use of personal protective equipment such as (but not limited to) protection for theeyes, ears, feet and head is recommended.2. Never operate the mower without proper guards, covers, safety switches and devices inplace and properly functioning. Inspect these items daily for their condition and proper op-eration. If the condition or operation of any of these devices is questionable they must bereplaced or repaired before using the mower.3. Thoroughly inspect the area to be mowed and remove all stones, sticks, wire and other de-bris that may be thrown by the mower. Also note or mark other obstacles such as holes,stumps, etc..4. Do not operate the mower when barefoot or wearing open shoes. Always wear substantialfootwear and long pants.5. Fill gas tank before starting mower. DO NOT SMOKE near gasoline containers. Do not fillgas tank indoors or when engine is hot or running. Clean off any spilled gasoline beforestarting the mower.OPERATION:1. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.2. Do not operate the mower in wet grass if possible.3. Mow across slopes. Use extreme caution when mowing or turning on slopes. Always turn tothe downhill side. Do not mow excessively steep slopes ( mower may tip over and causeinjury or death ).4. Use caution when backing up.5. Stop the blades when crossing surfaces other than grass; or when traveling to and from thearea to be mowed.6. Never operate the mower with defective, broken or excessively worn parts. Keep all guards,shields, and safety devices in place and in proper working order.7. Do not change the engine governor settings or over speed the engine. Operating the engineat excessive speeds will increase the hazard of injury and can severely damage your machine.8. Keep hands, feet and clothing away from rotating parts when operating mower.9. Stop the blades and engine before leaving the operators position for any reason.10. Never make adjustments to the mower while engine and/or blades are running.11. After striking a foreign object, stop mower and remove key. Inspect the mower for any damage and repair it immediately before continuing to mow.12. Never operate this equipment in an enclosed or confined area without proper ventilation ofthe engine exhaust.13. Do not allow any passengers to ride on the mower. Keep others away from the mower whenin operation.