Poulan 964 04 06-07 User Manual

2

•      Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual 

and on the machine before starting.

•      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 other people before mowing.  

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.

•      Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point 

it at anyone.  Do not operate the mower without either the 
entire grass catcher or the guard in place.

•      Slow down before turning.
•      Never leave a running machine unattended.  Always turn 

off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys 
before dismounting.

•      Turn off blades when not mowing.
•      Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging 

chute.

•      Mow only in daylight or good artifi cial light.
•      Do not operate the machine while under the infl uence 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.

•      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.

Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tipover 
accidents, which can result in severe injury or death.  All slopes 
require 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, not across.
•      Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
•           Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps.  Uneven terrain could overturn 

the machine.  

Tall grass can hide obstacles.

•       Use slow speed.  Choose a low gear so that you will not have 

to stop or shift while on the slope.

•           Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for wheel weights 

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 slopes 

slow and gradual.  Do not 

make sudden changes in speed or direction.

•      Avoid starting or stopping on a slope.  If tires lose traction,  

disengage the blades and proceed slowly 

straight down the 

slope.

IMPORTANT:  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.

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 over the edge 
of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.

•      

Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause 
sliding.

•      

Do not  try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on 
the ground.

•      

Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the pres-
ence of children.  Children are often attracted to the ma chine 
and the mowing activity.  

Never assume that children will remain 

where you last saw them.

•       Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful 

care of another responsible adult.

•      Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.
•      Before and when backing, look behind and 

down for small 

children. 

•      Never carry children.  They may fall off and be seriously 

injured 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.

•      Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels.  They 

are fl ammable and vapors are explosive.

- 

Use only an approved container.

- 

Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running.  
Allow engine to cool before refueling.  Do not smoke.

- 

Never refuel the machine indoors.

- 

Never store the machine or fuel container inside where 
there is an open fl ame, 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 proper operation 

regularly.

•      Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-

up.  Clean oil or fuel spillage.  Allow machine to cool before 
storing.

•           Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object.  Repair, 

if necessary, before restarting.

•      Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine 

running.

•      Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage, 

and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or 
allow objects to be thrown.  Frequently check components 
and replace with manufacturer's recommended parts, when 
necessary.

•      Mower blades are sharp and can cut.  Wrap the blade(s) or 

wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.

•      Check brake operation frequently.  Adjust and service as 

required.