L GENERAL OPERATmON
o Read, understand,and follow all
instructionson the machineand in the
manual(s)beforestarting. Be thoroughly
familiarwith the controlsand the proper
use of the machinebeforestarting.
o Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotatingparts. Keepclearof the dis-
charge opening at all times.
o Only allow responsibleindividuals,who
are familiar with the instructions,to
operate the machine.
o Clear the areaof objectssuch as rocks,
toys,wire, bones,sticks, etc., which
could be pickedup and thrown by the
blade.
o Be sure the area is clear of other people
before mowing.Stop machineif anyone
enters the area.
o Do not operatethe mowerwhen bare-
foot or wearingopen sandals.Always
wear substantialfoot wear.
o Do not pull mowerbackwardsunless
absolutelynecessary.Alwayslook down
and behind beforeandwhile moving
backwards.
o Do not operatethe mowerwithout
proper guards,plates, grass catcheror
other safety protectivedevices in place.
o See manufacturer'sinstructionsfor
proper operationand installationof
accessories.Only use accessoriesap-
proved by the manufacturer.
o Stop the blade(s)when crossing gravel
drives,walks, or roads.
o Stop the engine(motor)wheneveryou
leave the equipment,beforecleaning
the moweror uncloggingthe chute.
o Shut the engine(motor) off and wait
until the bladecomesto complete stop
before removinggrass catcher.
o Mow only in daylightor good artificial
light.
o Do not operatethe machinewhile under
the influenceof alcohol or drugs.
o Neveroperate machinein wet grass.
Alwaysbe sure of your footing:keepa
firm hold on the handle andwalk; never
run.
o Disengagethe self-propelledmech-
anism or drive clutch on mowersso
equippedbeforestarting the engine
(motor).
o If the equipmentshould start to vibrate
abnormally,stop the engine (motor)and
check immediatelyfor the cause.Vibra-
tion is generallya warning of trouble.
o Alwayswear safetygoggles or safety
glasseswith side shieldswhen oper-
ating mower.
3
H. SLOPE
OPERATmON
Slopes
are a major factor
related
to slip
and fall accidents
which
can result in
severe
injury. All slopes
require
extra cau=
tion. If you feel uneasy
on a slope, do not
mow it.
DO:
o Mow across
the face of slopes:
never
up and down. Exercise
extreme
caution
when
changing
direction
on slopes.
o Remove
obstacles
such as rocks, tree
limbs, etc.
o Watch
for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
DO NOT:
o Do not trim near drop-offs,
ditches
or
embankments.
The operator
could
lose
footing
or balance.
o Do not trim excessively
steep slopes.
o Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced
footing
could cause
slipping.
HI. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents
can occur
if the operator
is not alert to the presence
of children.
Children
are often attracted
to the ma-
chine
and the mowing
activity.
Neveras-
sume that children
will remain
where
you
last saw them.
o Keep children
out of the trimming
area
and under the watchful
care of another
responsible
adult.
o Be alert and turn machine
off if children
enter the area.
o Before
and while walking
backwards,
look behind
and down for small children.
o Never allow children
to operate
the
machine.
o Use extra care when
approaching
blind
corners,
shrubs,
trees,
or other objects
that may obscure
vision.
inV.SERVICE
o Use extra care in handling
gasoline
and
other
fuels. They are flammable
and
vapors
are explosive.
- Use only an approved
container.
- Never
remove
gas cap or add fuel
with the engine
running.
Allow engine
to cool before
refueling.
Do not smoke.
- Never
refuel the machine
indoors.
- Never store the machine
or fuel
container
inside where
there
is an
open flame,
such as a water
heater.
o Never run a machine
inside a closed area.
o Never
make adjustments
or repairs
with
the engine (motor) running. Disconnect
the
spark plug wire, and keep the wire away
from the plug to prevent accidental
starting.