•
Remove
gas-powered
equipment
from
the truck or trailer
and refuel it on the
ground.
If this is not possible,
then
refuel such equipment
with a portable
container,
rather
than from a gasoline
dispenser
nozzle.
•
Keep the nozzle
in contact
with the rim
of the fuel tank or container
opening
at
all times until fueling
is complete.
Do
not use a nozzle
lock-open
device.
•
If fuel is spilled
on clothing,
change
clothing
immediately.
•
Never overfill
fuel tank. Replace
gas
cap and tighten
securely.
GENERAL
SERVICE
•
Never operate
machine
in a closed
area.
•
Keep all nuts and bolts tight to be sure
the equipment
is in safe working
condi-
tion.
•
Never tamper
with safety
devices.
Check
their proper
operation
regularly.
•
Keep machine
free of grass,
leaves,
or
other debris
build-up.
Clean
oil or fuel
spillage
and remove
any fuel-soaked
debris.
Allow
machine
to cool before
storing.
•
If you strike a foreign
object,
stop and
inspect
the machine.
Repair, if neces-
sary, before
restarting.
•
Never make any adjustments
or repairs
with the engine
running.
•
Check
grass catcher
components
and
the discharge
guard frequently
and
replace
with manufacturer's
recom-
mended
parts, when
necessary.
•
Mower blades
are sharp.
Wrap the
blade or wear gloves,
and use extra
caution
when
servicing
them.
•
Check
brake operation
frequently.
Ad-
just and service
as required.
•
Maintain
or replace
safety and instruc-
tion labels,
as necessary.
•
Be sure the area is clear
of bystand-
ers before
operating.
Stop machine
if
anyone
enters the area.
•
Never carry
passengers.
•
Do not mow in reverse
unless abso-
lutely necessary.
Always
look down
and behind
before
and while
backing.
•
Never carry children,
even with the
blades
shut off. They may fall off and
be seriously
injured
or interfere
with
safe machine
operation.
Children
who
have been given rides in the past may
suddenly
appear
in the mowing
area
for another
ride and be run over or
backed
over by the machine.
•
Keep children
out of the mowing
area
and in the watchful
care of a respon-
sible adult other than the operator.
•
Be alert and turn machine
off if a child
enters the area.
•
Before
and while
backing,
look behind
and down for small children.
•
Mow up and down
slopes
(15 ° Max),
not across.
•
Choose
a low ground
speed
so that
you will not have to stop or shift while
on the slope.
•
Avoid starting,
stopping,
or turning
on
a slope.
If the tires lose traction,
dis-
engage
the blades
and proceed
slowly
straight
down the slope.
•
If machine
stops while going
uphill,
disengage
blades,
shift into reverse
and back down slowly.
•
Do not turn on slopes
unless
neces-
sary, and then, turn slowly
and gradu-
ally downhill,
if possible.
5