Troy-Bilt 13A-344-563 User Manual

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Do:
Mow up and down slopes, not across.
Remove obstacles such as rocks, 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 enough gear so that 
you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope. 
Always keep machine in gear when going down 
slopes to take advantage of engine braking action.
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. 
Rapid engagement or braking could cause the front 
of the machine to lift and rapidly flip over backwards 
which could cause serious injury.
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose 
traction, disengage the blade(s) and proceed slowly 
straight down the slope.
Do Not:
Do not turn on slopes unless necessary; 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.
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 where you 
last saw them.
Keep children out of the mowing area and in 
watchful care of an adult other than the operator.
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 the safe machine 
operation.
Never allow children under 14 years old to operate 
the machine. Children 14 years and over should 
only operate machine under close parental 
supervision and proper instruction.
Use extra care when approaching blind corners, 
shrubs, trees or other objects that may obscure 
your vision of a child or other hazard.
Remove key when machine is unattended to 
prevent unauthorized operation.
Service
Use extreme care in handling gasoline and other 
fuels. They are extremely flammable and the 
vapors are explosive.
a.
Use only an approved container.
b.
Never remove fuel cap or add fuel with the 
engine running. Allow engine to cool at least 
two minutes before refueling. 
c.
Replace fuel cap securely and wipe off any 
spilled fuel before starting the engine as it may 
cause a fire or explosion.
d.
Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and 
other sources of ignition.
e.
Never refuel the machine indoors because fuel 
vapors will accumulate in the area.
f.
Never store the fuel container or machine 
inside where there is an open flame or spark, 
such as a gas hot water heater, space heater 
or furnace.
Never run a machine inside a closed area.
To reduce fire hazard, keep the machine free of 
grass, leaves or other debris build-up. Clean up oil 
or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool at least 5 
minutes before storing.
Before cleaning, repairing or inspecting, make 
certain the blade and all moving parts have 
stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keep 
the wire away from the spark plug to prevent 
accidental starting.
Check the blade and engine mounting bolts at 
frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also, 
visually inspect blade for damage (e.g., excessive 
wear, bent, cracked). Replace with blade which 
meets original equipment specifications.
Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the 
equipment is in safe working condition.
Never tamper with safety devices. Check their 
proper operation regularly. Use all guards as 
instructed in this manual.
After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, 
remove the wire from the spark plug and thoroughly 
inspect the mower for any damage. Repair the 
damage before restarting and operating the mower.
Grass catcher components are subject to wear, 
damage and deterioration, which could expose 
moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. For your 
safety protection, 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 blade(s).