• Before attempting to start the engine, disengage all blade attachment
clutches and shift into neutral.
• Do not use on slopes of more than 5°.
• Remember there is no such thing as a "safe" slope. Travel on grass slopes
requires particular care. To guard against overturning;
- do not stop or start suddenly when going up or downhill;
- engage clutch slowly, always keep machine in gear, especially when
traveling downhill;
- machine speeds should be kept low on slopes and during tight turns;
- stay alert for humps and hollows and other hidden hazards;
- never mow across the face of the slope, unless the lawnmower is designed
for this purpose.
• Use care when pulling loads or using heavy equipment.
- Use only approved drawbar hitch points.
- Limit loads to those you can safely control.
- Do not turn sharply. Use care when reversing.
- Use counterweight(s) or wheel weights when suggested in the instruction
handbook.
• Watch out for traffic when crossing or near roadways.
• Stop the blades from rotating before crossing surfaces other than grass.
• When using any attachments, never direct discharge of material toward
bystanders nor allow anyone near the machine while in operation.
• Never operate the lawnmower with defective guards, shields or without
safety protective devices in place.
• Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed the engine. Op-
erating the engine at excessive speed may increase the hazard of personal
injury.
• Before leaving the operator's position:
- disengage the power take-off and lower the attachments;
- change into neutral and set the parking brake;
- stop the engine and remove the key.
• Disengage drive to attachments, stop the engine, and disconnect the spark
plug wire(s) or remove the ignition key
- before cleaning blockages or unclogging chute;
- before checking, cleaning or working on the lawnmower;
- after striking a foreign object. Inspect the lawnmower for damage and
make repairs before restarting and operating the equipment;
- if the machine starts to vibrate abnormally (check immediately).
• Disengage drive to attachments when transporting or not in use.
• Stop the engine and disengage drive to attachment
- before refueling;
- before removing the grass catcher;
- before making height adjustment unless adjustment can be made from
the operator's position.
• Reduce the throttle setting during engine run-out and, if the engine is pro-
vided with a shut-off valve, turn the fuel off at the conclusion of mowing.
IV. MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
• Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the equipment is in safe
working condition.
• Never store the equipment with petrol in the tank inside a building where
fumes may reach an open flame or spark.
• Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.
• To reduce the fire hazard, keep the engine, silencer, battery compartment
and petrol storage area free of grass, leaves, or excessive grease.
• Check the grass catcher frequently for wear or deterioration.
• Replace worn or damaged parts for safety.
• If the fuel tank has to be drained, this should be done outdoors.
• On multi-bladed machines, take care as rotating one blade can cause other
blades to rotate.
• When machine is to be parked, stored or left unattended, lower the cutting
means unless a positive mechanical lock is used.
WARNING: Always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it
cannot contact spark plug in order to prevent accidental starting when setting
up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs.
3