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Safe Operation
Practices
for Pedestrian-Controlled
Rotary
Lawnmowers
IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects.
Failure to observe the following safety instructionscould result in serious injuryor death.
I.
Training
•
Read the instructions carefully Be familiar with the
controls and the proper use of the equipment.
•
Never allow children or people unfamiliar with the
instructionsto use the lawnmower, Local regulations
may restrict the age of the operetor.
•
Never mow while people, especially children, or pets
are
neart3y.
• Keep in mind that the operator or user is responsible
for accidents or hazards occurring to other people or
their property.
II.
Preparation
• While mowlog, always wear substantial footwear and
long trousers. Do not operate the equipment when
barefoot or wearing open sandals.
• Thoreughly iospect the area where the equipment isto
be used and remove all objects which may be thrown
by the machine.
• WARNING - Petrol is highly flammable.
- Store fuel in containers specifically designed for this
purpose.
- Refuel outdoors only and do not smoke while refu-
eling.
- Add fuel before starting the engine. Never remove
the cap of the fuel tank or add petrolwhile the engine
is running or when the engine is hot.
- If petrel is spilled, do notattempt to start the engine
but move the machine away from the area ofspillage
and avoid creating any source of ignitionuntilpetrol
vapors have dissipated.
-Replace
all fuel tanks and container caps se-
curely.
•
Replace faulty silencers.
•
Before using, always visually inspect to see that the
blades, blade bolts and cutter assembly are not worn
or damaged.
Replace worn or damaged blades and
bolts in sets to preserve balance.
• On multi-bladed machines, take care as rotating one
blade can cause other blades to rotate.
ill. Operation
• Oo not operate the engine in a confined space where
dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.
• Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
• Avoid operating the equipment in wet grass, where
feasible,
• Always be sure of your footing on slopes.
• Walk, never run,
• For whee_ed rotary machines, mow across the face of
slopes, never up and down.
• Exercise extreme caution when changing directionon
slopes,
•
Do not mow excessively steep slopes.
•
Use extreme caution when reversing or pulling the
lawnmower towards you.
• Stop the blade if the lawnmower has to be tilted for
transpertatlonwhen crossingsurfacesotherthan grass,
and when transporting the fawnmower to and from the
area to be mowed.
•
Neveroperate the lawnmowerwith defectiveguards, or
without safety devices, for examplo deflectors and/or
grass catchers, in place.
•
Do not change the engine governor settings or over-
speed the engine. Operating the engine at excessive
speed may increase the hazard of personal injury.
• Disengage all b_adeand drive clutches before starting
the engine.
• Start the engine or switch on the motor carefully ac-
cording to instructions and with feet well away from
the blade.
•
Do not tilt the lawnmower when starting the engine or
switching on the motor, except if the lawnmower has
to be tilted for starting.
In this case, do not tilt more
than absolutely necessary and lift only the part which
is away from the operator.
•
Do not start the engine when standing in front of the
discharge chute,
•
Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.
Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.
•
Never pick up or carTylawnmower while the engine is
running.
• Stop the engine and disconnectthe spark plug wire:
- before cleaning blockages or unclogging chute;
- before checking, cleaning or working on the fawn-
mower;
- afterstrikinga foreign object. Inspect the lawnmower
for damage and make repairs before restarting and
operating the lawnmower;
- ifthe lawnmower starts to vibrateabnormally (check
immediately).
• Stop the engine:
- whenever you leave the lawnmower;
- before refuelling.
• Reduce the throttle setting during eng(ne shut down
and, if the engine is providedwith a shut-offvalve, turn
the fuel off at the conclusionof mowing.
• Go slow when using a trailing seat.
IV, Maintenance
and
Storage
• Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
• Never storethe 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 enclo-
sure.
• To reducethefire h azard, keep theengine, silencer,
battery compartment and petrol storage area free of
grass, leaves, or excessive grease.
• Check the grass catcher frequently for wear or dete-
rioretion.
•
Replace worn or damaged parts for safety.
•
If the fuel tank has to be dreined, this should be done
outdoors.
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