Poulan GTT342 User Manual

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•       Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine 

and in the manual before starting.

•      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 

in struc tions, 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.
•      Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.  Always 

look down and behind before and while back ing.

•      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 work-
ing.

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

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

•      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 artifi cial light.
•      Do not operate the machine while under the infl uence of 

alcohol or drugs.

•      Watch  for  traffi c when operating near or crossing road-

 ways.

•      Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into 

a trailer or truck.

•      Always wear eye protection when operating machine.

IMPORTANT:  THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROW ING OBJECTS.  FAILURE 
TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

•      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 them selves and others 
from serious injury.

•      Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for wheel weights 

or counterweights.

•      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 oc-
cur. 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 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, 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 

or shift while on the slope.

•      Do not mow on wet grass. Tires may lose traction.
       Always keep the machine in gear when going down slopes. 

Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.

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

traction,  disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight 
down the slope.

•      Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual.  Do not 

make sudden changes in speed or direction, which could 
cause the machine to roll over.

•      Use extra care while operating machine with grass catch-

ers or other at tach ments; they can affect the stability of the 
machine. Do no use on steep slopes.

•      Do not  try to stabilize the machine by putting your 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.

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 in the watchful 

care of a responsible adult other than the operator.

•      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 your view of a child.