Husqvarna YTH1342XP Owner's Manual

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2Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On MowersIMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS. FAILURETO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.SAFETY RULESI. GENERAL OPERATION• Read, understand, and follow all instructions in themanual and on the machine before starting.• Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with theinstructions, 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 other people before mow-ing. 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 back-ing.• Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do notpoint it at anyone. Do not operate the mower withouteither the entire grass catcher or the guard in place.• Slow down before turning.• Never leave a running machine unattended. Alwaysturn off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, andremove keys before dismounting.• Turn off blades when not mowing.• Stop engine before removing grass catcher or un-clogging chute.• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.• Do not operate the machine while under the influenceof alcohol or drugs.• Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing road-ways.• Use extra care when loading or unloading the machineinto a trailer or truck.• Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above,are involved in a large percentage of riding mower-re-lated injuries. These operators should evaluate theirability to operate the riding mower safely enough toprotect themselves and others from serious injury.• Keep machine free of grass , leaves or other debrisbuild-up which can touch hot exhaust / engine partsand burn. Do not allow the mower deck to plow leavesor other debris which can cause build-up to occur.Clean any oil or fuel spillage before operating orstoring the machine. Allow machine to cool beforestorage.II. SLOPE OPERATIONSlopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tipoveraccidents, which can result in severe injury or death. All slopesrequire extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if youfeel uneasy on it, do not mow it.DO:• Mow up and down slopes, not across.• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain couldoverturn the machine.Tall grass can hide obstacles.• Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you willnot have to stop or shift while on the slope.• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for wheelweights or counterweights to improve stability.• Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments.These can change the stability of the machine.• Keep all movement on the slopesslow andgradual.Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction.• Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose trac-tion, disengage the blades and proceed slowlystraightdown the slope.DO NOT:•Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then,turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.•Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.The mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is overthe edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.•Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction couldcause sliding.•Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your footon the ground.•Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.III. CHILDRENTragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert tothe presence of children. Children are often attracted tothe machine and the mowing activity.Never assume thatchildren will remain where you last saw them.• Keep children out of the mowing area and under thewatchful care of another responsible adult.• Be alert and turn machine off if children enter thearea.• Before and when backing, look behind anddown forsmall children.• Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriouslyinjured or interfere with safe machine operation.• Never allow children to operate the machine.• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.IV. SERVICE• Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels.They are flammable and vapors are explosive.- Use only an approved container.- Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the enginerunning. Allow engine to cool before refueling. Donot smoke.- Never refuel the machine indoors.- Never store the machine or fuel container inside wherethere is an open flame, such as a water heater.• Never run a machine inside a closed area.• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts,tight and keep equipment in good condition.• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their properoperation regularly.• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debrisbuild-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine tocool before storing.• Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object.Repair, if necessary, before restarting.• Never make adjustments or repairs with the enginerunning.• Grass catcher components are subject to wear, dam-age, and deterioration, which could expose movingparts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently checkcomponents and replace with manufacturer's recom-mended parts, when necessary.• Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s)or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicingthem.• Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and serviceas required.