This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endanger the personal
safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual before
attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury.
When you see this symbol,
This machine was built to be operated according to the safe operation practices in this manual. As with any type of
power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious injury. This machine is capable of
amputating fingers, hands, toes and feet and throwing debris. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could
result in serious injury or death.
Operation
GENERAL INFORMATION
1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the mower
and in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and
operate. Keep this manual in a safe place for future and
regular reference and for ordering replacement parts.
2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation.
3. Never allow children under 14 years of age to operate this
mower. Children 14 and over should read and understand
the instructions and safe operation practices in this manual
and on the mower and should be trained and supervised by
an adult.
4. Never allow adults to operate this mower without proper
instruction.
5. Store mower in a dry, clean area. Do not store next to
corrosive materials, such as fertilizer.
6. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use
care and good judgment. Contact your customer service
representative for assistance.
7. According to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission
(CPSC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
this product has an estimated useful life of seven (7) years,
under ordinary use conditions. At the end of its useful life,
have the product inspected annually to ensure all mechanical
and safety systems are operating properly, safely, and are
not worn excessively. Failure to do so may result in accident,
injury, or death.
PREPARATION BEFORE OPERATING
1. Thoroughly inspect the area where the mower is to be used.
Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones, toys, and other foreign
objects which could be tripped over or picked up and thrown
by the blade(s). Thrown objects can cause serious personal
injury.
2. To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury, stay in
the operator zone behind the mower handles. Keep helpers
at least 75 feet (23 meters) from the mower while it is in
operation. Keep bystanders, children and pets inside while
the mower is in operation. Stop mower if anyone enters the
area.
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
WARNING
HEED ITS WARNING!
DANGER
3. Be aware of the mower and attachment discharge direction
and do not point the mower discharge at anyone.
4. Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during
operation and while performing an adjustment or repair to
protect your eyes. Thrown objects which ricochet can cause
serious injury to the eyes.
5. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-fitting slacks
and shirts. Loose fitting clothes, jewelry and long hair can be
caught in moving parts. Shirts and pants that cover the arms
and legs and steel-toed shoes are recommended.
6. Never operate mower in bare feet, sandals, slippery or light-
weight (e.g. canvas) shoes.
7. Use only accessories and attachments approved for this
mower by the mower manufacturer. Read, understand and
follow all instructions provided with the approved accessory
or attachment.
OPERATING
1. Data indicates that operators, age 65 years and above, are
involved in a large percentage of mower-related injuries.
These operators should evaluate their ability to operate the
mower safely enough to protect themselves and others from
serious injury.
2. Many injuries occur as a result of the mower being pulled
over the foot during a fall caused by slipping or tripping. Do
not hold on to the mower if you are losing your balance or
footing; immediately release the handle.
3. Never pull the mower back toward you while you are walking.
If you must back the mower away from a wall or obstruction
first look down and behind to avoid tripping and then follow
these steps:
a. Step back from mower to fully extend your arms.
b. Be sure you are well balanced with sure footing.
c. Pull the mower back slowly, no more than half way
toward you.
d. Repeat these steps as needed.
4. Do not engage the drive control (if equipped) while starting
motor.
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