McCulloch MOWCART 66 - Manual (Page 2)

2
SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
DANGER: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROW ING OBJECTS. FAILURE
TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual before starting.
• Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under
the machine. Keep clear of the discharge opening at
all times.
• Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with
the instructions, to operate the machine.
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc.,
which could be picked up and thrown by the blade.
• Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before operating.
Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
• Never carry passengers.
• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
Always look down and behind before and while
backing.
• Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid
discharging material against a wall or obstruction.
Material may ricochet back toward the operator. Stop
the blade when crossing gravel surfaces.
• Do not operate machine without the entire grass catcher,
discharge chute, or other safety devices in place and
working.
• Slow down before turning.
• Never leave a running machine unattended. Always
turn off blade, set parking brake, stop engine, and
remove keys before dismounting.
• Disengage blade when not mowing. Shut off engine
and wait for all parts to come to a complete stop before
cleaning the machine, removing the grass catcher, or
unclogging the discharge chute.
• Operate machine only in daylight or good artificial
light.
• Do not operate the machine while under the influence
of alcohol or drugs.
• Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing
roadways.
• Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine
into a trailer or truck.
• Always wear eye protection when operating
machine.
• Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above,
are involved in a large percentage of riding mower-
related injuries. These operators should evaluate their
ability to operate the riding mower safely enough to
protect themselves and others from serious injury.
• Keep machine free of grass , leaves or other debris
build-up which can touch hot exhaust / engine parts and
burn. Do not allow the mower deck to plow leaves or
other debris which can cause build-up to occur. Clean
any oil or fuel spillage before operating or storing the
machine. Allow machine to cool before storage.
WARNING: In order to prevent ac ci den tal
starting when setting up, trans port ing,
ad just ing or making repairs, always
dis con nect spark plug wire and place wire
where it can not contact spark plug.
WARNING: Do not coast down a hill in
neutral, you may lose control of the riding
mower.
WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of
its constituents, and certain vehicle
com po nents contain or emit chem i cals
known to the State of Cal i for nia to cause
can cer and birth defects or oth er re pro duc-
tive harm.
WARNING:This unit is not intended for
towing, or use of wheel weights. Only use
attachments designed specifically for this
riding mower.
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to the State of
Cal i for nia to cause can cer and birth defects
or oth er re pro duc tive harm. Wash hands
after handling.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and
tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or
death. Operation on all slopes requires extra caution. If
you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it,
do not mow it.
• Mow up and down slopes (15° Max), not across.
• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden
objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine.
Tall grass can hide obstacles.
• Choose a low ground speed so that you will not have
to stop or shift while on the slope.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Tires may lose traction.
• Always keep the machine in gear when going down
slopes. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.
• If machine stops while going uphill, disengage blade,
shift into reverse and back down slowly.
• Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If the
tires lose traction, disengage the blade and proceed
slowly straight down the slope.
• Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual.
Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction,
which could cause the machine to roll over.
• Use extra care while operating machine with grass
catchers or other attachments; they can affect the
stability of the machine.
• Do no use on steep slopes.
• Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot
on the ground.
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.
The machine could suddenly roll over if a wheel is over
the edge or if the edge caves in.