sAFetY
Safety Instructions
These instructions are for your safety. Read them carefully.
WARNING!
THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE
OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET
AND THROWING OBJECTS. FAILURE
TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN
SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
WARNING!
This symbol means that important safety instructions need to be emphasized. It concerns your safety.
General Operation
• Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the manual before starting.
• It is recommended that someone be aware that you are mowing and can provide help in case of injury or accident.
• 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 blades.
• Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before operating. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
• Never carry passengers. The machine is only intended for use by one person.
• 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 blades when crossing gravel surfaces.
• Do not operate machine without the entire grass catcher, discharge guard, or other safety devices in place and working
• Slow down before turning.
• Never leave a running machine unattended.
Always turn off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys before dismounting.
Read the operator manual before starting the machine
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Clear the area of objects before mowing
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sAFetY
• Disengage blades 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 guard.
• 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.
• Wear proper Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE) while operating this machine, including (at a minimum) sturdy footwear, eye protection, and hearing protection. Do not mow in shorts and/or footwear with open toes.
• 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.
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for wheel weights or counterweights.
• Anyone who operates this machine must first read and understand this Operation Manual. Local laws may regulate the age of the user.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves or other debris buildup which can touch hot exhaust or engine parts and burn. Do not allow the mower deck to plow leaves or other debris which can cause buildup to occur. Clean any oil or fuel spillage before operating or storing the machine.
• Allow machine to cool before storage.
Never take passengers
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WARNING!
Engine exhaust and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals considered to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive system damage. The engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which is an odorless, colorless, poisonous gas. Do not use the machine in enclosed spaces.
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sAFetY
Personal Safety Equipment
WARNING!
When using the machine, approved personal protective equipment (shown in illustrations) shall be used. Personal protective equipment cannot eliminate the risk of injury but it will reduce the degree of injury if an accident does happen. Ask your retailer for help in choosing the right equipment.
• Make sure that you have first aid equipment close at hand when using the machine.
• Never use the machine when barefoot.
• Always wear protective shoes or boots, preferably with steel toe caps.
• Always wear approved protective glasses or a full visor when assembling or driving.
• Always wear gloves when handling the blades.
• Never wear loose clothing that can get caught in moving parts.
• Use ear protectors to avoid damage to hearing.
Personal protective equipment
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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 (10 degrees maximum), 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 while on the slope.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Tires may lose traction.
• Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If the tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope.
• Keep movement on the slopes slow and gradual.
Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction, which could cause machine to roll over.
• Use extra care while operating machine with grass catchers or other attachments; they can affect the stability of the machine.
Mow up and down, not side to side
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WARNING!
Do not drive up or down hills with slopes greater than 10 degrees. Do not drive across any slopes.
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sAFetY
• Do not use on steep slopes.
• Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting a 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.
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Be extra cautious when driving on slopes
WARNING!
CHILDREN CAN BE INJURED BY THIS
EQUIPMENT. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children be a minimum of 16 years of age before operating a riding lawn mower. Keep children out of the mowing area and in the watchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator.
Children
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing activity.
Never assume that children will remain out of the path of danger.
• Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the area.
• Before and while backing, look behind and down for small children.
• Never carry children, even with the blades shut off. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation. Children who have been given rides in the past may suddenly appear in the mowing area for another ride and be run over or backed over by the machine.
• Never allow children to operate the machine.
• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may block the view of a child.
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Keep children away from work area
Never allow children to operate the machine
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sAFetY
Safe Handling of Gasoline
WARNING!
The engine must not be started when the driver’s floor plate or any protective plate for the mower deck’s drive belt is removed.
To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.
• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources of ignition.
• Use only approved gasoline container.
• Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow engine to cool before refueling.
• Never fuel the machine indoors.
• Never store the machine or fuel container where there is an open flame, spark, or pilot light such as on a water heater or other appliance.
• Before beginning to refuel, minimize the risk of static electricity by touching a metal surface.
• Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer bed with plastic liner. Always place containers on the ground away from the vehicle when filling.
• Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, refuel such equipment with a portable container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.
• Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or 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 gas cap and tighten securely.
• Do not start the engine near spilled fuel.
• Never use gasoline as a cleaning agent.
• If leaks arise in fuel system, engine must not be started until problem has been resolved.
• Check the fuel level before each use and leave space for the fuel to expand, as the heat from the engine and the sun may otherwise cause the fuel to expand and overflow.
Never fill the fuel tank indoors
WARNING!
The engine and the exhaust system become very hot during operation.
There is risk for burns if touched.
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Allow engine and exhaust system to cool before refueling.
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sAFetY
General Maintenance
• Never operate machine in a closed area.
• Keep all nuts and bolts tight to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris buildup. Clean oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuel-soaked debris. Allow machine to cool before storing.
• If the machine strikes a foreign object, stop and inspect the machine. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
• Never make any adjustments or repairs with the engine running.
• Check grass catcher components and the discharge guard frequently and replace with manufacturer’s recommended parts, when necessary.
• Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.
• Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as required.
• Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as necessary.
• Do not modify safety equipment. Check regularly to be sure it works properly. The machine must not be driven with defective or unmounted protective plates, protective cowlings, safety switches, or other protective devices.
• Do not change the settings of governors and avoid running the engine with overly high engine speeds. If the engine runs too fast, there is risk for damaging the machine components.
• Be very careful when handling battery acid. Acid on skin can cause serious corrosive burns. If battery acid is spilled on skin, rinse immediately with water.
• Acid in the eyes can cause blindness, contact a doctor immediately.
• Be careful when servicing the battery. Explosive gases form in the battery. Never perform maintenance on the battery when smoking or near open flames or sparks.
• The battery can explode and cause serious injury or damage.
• Ensure that the equipment is in good condition and that all nuts and bolts, especially those fastening the blade attachments, are properly tightened and torqued.
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Never drive the machine in an enclosed space
CAUTION!
Use protective glasses for maintenance work.
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WARNING!
The battery contains lead and lead compounds, chemicals that are considered to cause cancer, birth defects, and other reproductive system damage. Wash your hands after handling the battery.
sAFetY
Sparking can occur when working with the battery and the heavy cables of the starter circuit. This can cause battery explosion, fire or eye injury. Sparking in this circuit can not occur after the chassis cable
(normally negative, black) is removed from the battery.
WARNING!
Avoid electrical sparking and its consequences by the following routines:
• Use protective goggles.
• Ensure that the fuel filler cap is mounted tightly and no flammable substances are stored in an open vessel.
• Never work with the starter circuit if there is spilled fuel.
• Disconnect the negative cable from the battery first and reconnect it last.
• Do not make a bridge short circuit across the starter relay to run the starter.
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Do not smoke when performing maintenance on the battery.
The battery can explode and cause serious injury/damage.
• Never use the machine indoors or in spaces lacking proper ventilation. The exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, an odorless, poisonous, and lethal gas.
• Stop to inspect the equipment if the machine runs over or into anything. If necessary, make repairs before starting.
• Never make adjustments with the engine running.
• The machine is tested and approved only with the equipment originally provided or recommended by the manufacturer. Only use approved repair parts for the machine.
• The blades are sharp and can cause cuts and gashes. Wrap the blades or use protective gloves when handling them.
• Check the parking brake’s functionality regularly.
Adjust and service as necessary.
• The mulch blades should only be used in familiar areas when higher quality mowing is desired.
• Reduce the risk of fire by removing grass, leaves, and other debris that may have accumulated on the machine.
• Allow the machine to cool before putting it in storage.
• Regularly clean deck and underside of deck, avoid spraying engine and electrical components with water.
Risk of sparking
Regularly clean deck
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sAFetY
Transport
• The machine is heavy and can cause serious crushing injuries. Be extra cautious when it is loaded on or unloaded from a vehicle or trailer.
• Use an approved trailer to transport the machine.
Activate the parking brake, turn off the fuel supply, and fasten the machine with approved fastening devices, such as bands, chains, or straps, when transporting.
• Do not operate this machine on public roadways.
• Check and abide by local traffic regulations before transporting the machine on any road.
• Do not tow this machine: it may cause damage to the drive system.
• Load the unit onto truck or trailer by driving up ramps of suitable strength using a slow speed. Do not lift! The machine is not intended to be lifted by hand.
• When loading or unloading this machine, do not exceed the maximum recommended operation angle of 10
O
.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The parking brake is not sufficient to lock the machine in place during transport. Ensure that the machine is well fastened to the transport vehicle. Always reverse the machine onto the transport vehicle to avoid tipping it over.
WARNING!
Use extreme caution when loading the machine into a truck or trailer using ramps. There is the possibility of serious injury or death if the machine falls off the ramps.
Towing
If machine is equipped with a tow hitch, use extreme caution when towing. Never allow children or others in or on towed equipment.
Make wide turns to avoid jack-knifing. Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop. Do not tow on sloped ground. The weight of the towed equipment may cause loss of traction and loss of control.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for weight limits for towed equipment. Do not tow near ditches, canals, and other hazards.
Spark Arrestor
A spark arrestor for the muffler is available through an authorized Dixon dealer.
WARNING!
Escaping hydraulic oil under pressure can have sufficient force to penetrate the skin, causing serious injury. If injured by escaping fluid, see a doctor at once.
Serious infection or reaction can develop if proper medical treatment is not administered immediately.
WARNING!
This mower is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forested, bush covered or grassy lands unless the engine's system is equipped with a spark arrestor meeting applicable local or state laws (if any).
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