McCulloch M22-46T Owner's Manual

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SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
DANGER:  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.
• 
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 chute.
• 
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 road ways.
• 
Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine 
into a trailer or truck.
• 
Always wear eye protection when operating machine.
• 
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 occur. Clean any oil or fuel 
spillage before operating or storing the machine. Allow 
machine to cool before storage.
II. 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, not across.
• 
Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden ob-
jects.  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 m
ow 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.
I. GENERAL OPERATION 
• 
Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the ma-
chine 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.
• 
Ensure 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, dis-
charge chute, or other safety devices in place and working.
• 
Slow down before turning.
WARNING: In order to prevent ac ci den tal 
starting when setting up, trans port ing, 
ad just ing or making repairs, al ways dis con-
 nect spark plug wire and place wire where 
it can not contact spark plug.
WARNING
Engine exhaust, some of its con stit u ents, and cer tain 
vehicle com po nents contain or emit chem i cals 
known to the State of Cal i for nia to cause can cer 
and birth de fects or oth er re pro duc tive harm.
WARNING
Battery posts, terminals and related ac ces so ries 
contain lead and lead compounds, chem i cals known 
to the State of Cal i for nia to cause can cer and birth 
defects or oth er re pro duc tive harm. Wash hands 
after handling.
WARNING: Do not coast down a hill in neut-
ral, you may lose control of the tractor.
WARNING: Tow only the attachments that 
are rec om mend ed by and comply with 
spec i fi ca tions of the man u fac tur er of your 
tractor. Use common sense when towing. 
Operate only at the low est possible speed 
when on a slope.  Too heavy of a load, while 
on a slope, is dan ger ous.  Tires can lose 
trac tion with the ground and cause you to 
lose control of your tractor.