– stop on level ground;– disengage the power take-off and lower theattachments;– change into neutral and set the parking brake;– stop the engine and remove the key.• Disengage drive to attachments when transporting or notin use.• Stop the engine and disengage drive to attachment:– before refuelling;– before removing the grass catcher/catchers;– before making height adjustment unless adjustmentcan be made from the operator’s position.– before clearing blockages;– before checking, cleaning or working on the mower;– after striking a foreign object or if an abnormalvibration occurs. Inspect the mower for damageand make repairs before restarting and operating theequipment.• Reduce the throttle setting before stopping the engineand, if the engine is provided with a fuel shut-off valve,turn the fuel off at the conclusion of mowing.• Keep hands and feet away from the cutting units.• Look behind and down before backing up to be sure ofa clear path.• Slow down and use caution when making turns andcrossing roads and sidewalks. Stop the reels when notmowing.• Do not operate the mower under the influence of alcoholor drugs.• Lightning can cause severe injury or death. If lightningis seen or thunder is heard in the area, do not operatethe machine; seek shelter.• Use care when loading or unloading the machine into atrailer or truck.• Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees,or other objects that may obscure vision.Rollover Protection System(ROPS)—Use and Maintenance• The ROPS is an integral and effective safety device. Keepa folding ROPS in the raised and locked position and usethe seat belt when operating the machine.• Lower a folding ROPS temporarily only when absolutelynecessary. Do not wear the seat belt when folded down.• Be aware there is no rollover protection when a foldedROPS is in the down position.• Be certain that the seat belt can be released quickly inthe event of an emergency.• Check the area to be mowed and never fold down afolding ROPS in areas where there are slopes, drop offsor water.• Check carefully for overhead clearances (i.e. branches,doorways, electrical wires) before driving under anyobjects and do not contact them.• Keep the ROPS in safe operating condition byperiodically thoroughly inspecting for damage andkeeping all mounting fasteners tight.• Replace a damaged ROPS. Do not repair or revise.• Do not remove the ROPS.• Any alterations to a ROPS must be approved by themanufacturer.Safe Handling of Fuels• To avoid personal injury or property damage, useextreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremelyflammable and the vapors are explosive.• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sourcesof ignition.• Use only an approved fuel container.• Never remove fuel cap or add fuel with the enginerunning.• Allow engine to cool before refueling.• Never refuel the machine indoors.• Never store the machine or fuel container where there isan open flame, spark, or pilot light such as on a waterheater or on other appliances.• Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck ortrailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place containers onthe ground away from your vehicle before filling.• Remove equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel iton the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel suchequipment with a portable container, rather than from afuel dispenser nozzle.• Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tankor container opening at all times until fueling is complete.• Do not use a nozzle lock open device.• If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately.• Never overfill fuel tank. Replace fuel cap and tightensecurely.Maintenance and Storage• Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure theequipment is in safe working condition.• Never store the equipment with fuel in the tank inside abuilding where fumes may reach an open flame or spark.• Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.• To reduce the risk of fire hazard, keep the engine,silencer/muffler, battery compartment, and fuel storagearea free of grass, leaves, or excessive grease.• Replace worn or damaged parts for safety.• Check the grass catcher frequently for wear ordeterioration.5