I. GENERAL
OPERATION
• Read, understand,
and follow all
instructions on the machine and in the
manual(s)
before starting. Be thoroughly
familiar with the controls and the proper
use of the machine before starting.
• Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotating parts. Keep clear of the dis-
charge opening at all times.
• Only allow responsible
individuals,
who
are familiar with the instructions,
to oper-
ate the machine.
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks,
toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc., which
could be picked up and thrown by blade.
• Be sure the area is clear of other people
before mowing. Stop machine if anyone
enters the area.
• Do not operate the mower when bare-
foot or wearing open sandals. Always
wear substantial foot wear.
• Do not pull mower backwards
unless
absolutely
necessary. Always look down
and behind before and while moving
backwards.
• Never direct discharged
material toward
anyone.
Avoid discharging
material
against a wall or obstruction.
Material
may richochet back toward the opera-
tor. Stop the blade when crossing gravel
surfaces.
• Do not operate the mower without
proper guards, plates, grass catcher or
other safety protective
devices in place.
• See manufacturer's
instructions
for
proper operation and installation
of
accessories.
Only use accessories
ap-
proved by the manufacturer.
• Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel
drives, walks, or roads.
• Stop the engine (motor) whenever
you
leave the equipment,
before cleaning the
mower or unclogging
the chute.
• Shut the engine (motor) off and wait until
the blade comes to complete stop before
removing grass catcher.
• Mow only in daylight or good artificial
light.
• Do not operate the machine while under
the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Never operate machine in wet grass.
Always be sure of your footing: keep a
firm hold on the handle; walk, never run.
• Disengage the self-propelled
mech-
anism or drive clutch on mowers so
equipped before starting the engine.
• If the equipment
should start to vibrate
abnormally,
stop the engine (motor) and
check immediately
for the cause. Vibra-
tion is generally a warning of trouble.
. Always wear safety goggles or safety
glasses with side shields when operating
mower.
Ii. SLOPE
OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to slip &
fa!l accidents which can result in severe in-
jury. All slopes require extra caution. If you
feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.
DO:
• Mow across the face of slopes: never
up and down. Exercise extreme caution
when changing direction on slopes.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree
limbs, etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
DO NOT:
• Do not trim near drop-offs,
ditches or
embankments.
The operator could lose
footing or balance.
• Do not trim excessively
steep slopes.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced foot-
ing could cause slipping.
Iii. 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 trimming area
and under the watchful care of another
responsible
adult.
• Be alert and turn machine off if children
enter the area.
• Before and while walking backwards,
look behind and down for small children.
• Never allow children to operate the ma-
chine.
• Use extra care when approaching
blind
corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects
that may obscure vision.
IV. SAFE HANDLING
OF GASOLINE
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 an approved container.
• Never remove gas cap or add fuel with
the engine running.
Allow engine to cool
before refueling.
• Never refuel the machine indoors.
• Never store the machine or fue! contain-
er where there is an open flame, spark
or pilot light such as a water heater or on
other appliances.
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