EQUIPMENT SELECTION

• Rear-engine riding mowers and lawn tractors are self-propelled and generally designed for mowing grass. They are typically used for lawns up to an acre in size, while lawn tractors are usually better suited for areas larger than one acre. Although both may accommodate attachments such as sweepers or snow throwers, they are not powerful enough to pull a plow or other heavy earthwork equipment.

• Garden tractors are designed to supply power for home lawn, garden, and yard attachments, including moldboard plows, tillers, cultivators, snow throwers, sweepers, and leaf mulchers. They are generally used for areas larger than two acres.

• Walk-behind mowers should be used in areas that cannot be reached or efficiently mowed with a larger mower.

SAFETY FEATURES

• Clothing protects the mower operator from thrown objects and sun exposure. Wear long pants and close-fitting clothing. Tie back long hair, and avoid anything that could become entangled in moving parts. Always wear sturdy shoes or boots with non-slip soles.

• Safety glasses or goggles protect the eyes from dust, dirt, debris, and small rocks thrown by the blades.

• Earplugs protect hearing from engine and blade noise.

• Do not operate equipment under the influence of medication that may impair your ability to safely use the machine.

• Protect your hands when handling blades or other items that may be sharp, nicked, or have metal burrs on the edges.

• Always shut off the engine and remove the battery cable before making any repairs or adjustments.

BEFORE OPERATING

• Read the operator's manual to find out where the controls are located and how they function. Every mower is different. Check for additional safety instructions in the operator's manual and know how to stop the machine quickly.

• Before you mow, walk the area and pick up objects lying on the lawn. Tools, cans, bottles, wire, rocks, sticks, twigs, and limbs can be hazards to the operator, bystanders, and the mower itself.

• Check to see if the blades are sharp. 

• Check fuel level and engine oil.

• Check mowing height.

• Check for any loose belts or parts.

• Ensure that shields and guards are in place. Don't remove or disable guards or other safety devices.

FUELING SAFETY

• Use the proper type of fuel - gasoline or diesel.

• Don't overfill the tank and leave room for expansion.

• Don't add any fuel if the engine is still hot. Let it cool down before re-fueling. 

• Never light a match or smoke around gasoline.

KEEP OTHERS AT A SAFE DISTANCE 

• Keep people at a safe distance from the mower while it is operating - at least a 60 foot radius.

• Disengage the blade and shut off the engine when approached by anyone.

CAREFUL OPERATION

• Always start the machine from the operator’s seat. Never start it while standing beside it.

• Riding mowers and tractors are one-person machines. Operate from the driver’s seat only, and never carry passengers. Keep both feet on the machine at all times.

• Be careful not to engage the machine in gear accidentally, as it can jerk forward and throw you from the seat.

• Drive slowly and cautiously. Watch for holes, drains, roots, and low-hanging obstacles.

• On uneven ground, use extreme care. Reduce speed when going down slopes or around sharp corners to prevent tipping. Maintain minimum ground speed and make turns wide and gradual. Avoid sudden starts, stops, or turns.

• On slopes, reduce speed and keep the mower in gear so the engine can act as a brake. Mow across gentle slopes. For slopes greater than five degrees, mow straight up and down. Never operate a riding mower on slopes steeper than 15 degrees or on wet or damp surfaces.

• A riding mower may overturn if it spins on the uphill side of a slope. If the uphill wheel spins while mowing across a slope, stop or turn downhill immediately.

• Disengage the blade before traveling over gravel or paved surfaces. Always look behind the machine before backing up, and avoid mowing in reverse whenever possible.

• Mow counterclockwise in most cases, discharging grass onto the area already mowed. Never discharge grass toward traffic or bystanders.

• Stop and inspect the blades and shaft if the mower hits a rock or stump. Damaged blades can vibrate and become loose.

• Never remove the grass catcher or unclog the chute while the mower is running.

• Never jump off or dismount from moving equipment. Always follow proper shutdown procedures before dismounting.

MACHINE SHUT DOWN

• Idle the engine for a few minutes to allow it to cool.

• Wait for all blade movement to stop before leaving the seat.

• Lower any raised components, shut off the engine, and remove the key when parking or stepping away from the mower.

• Always clean the mower after use. Do not spray cold water on a hot engine.

KEEP IN PEAK

Inspect the mower periodically for potential hazards, such as loose belts or missing or damaged guards. Check for accumulations of grass, leaves, or excessive grease, which can create a fire hazard. Consult a mechanic for any problems. Conduct routine maintenance and inspections to keep the mower in safe, peak operating condition.