• Mow only in daylight
or good artificial
light.
• Do not operate
the machine
while
under the influence
of alcohol
or drugs.
• Never operate
machine
in wet grass.
Always
be sure of your footing:
keep a
firm hold on the handle
and walk;
never
run.
• Disengage
the self-propelled
mecha-
nism or drive clutch on mowers
so
equipped
before
starting
the engine
(motor).
• If the equipment
should
star
to vibrate
abnormally,
stop the engine
(motor)
and check
immediately
for the cause.
Vibration
is generally
a warning
of
trouble.
• Always
wear safety goggles
or safety
glasses
with side shields
when
operat-
ing mower.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes
are a major factor
related
to slip
and fall accidents
which
can result in
severe
injury. All slopes
require
extra
caution.
If you feel uneasy
on a slope, do
not mow it.
DO:
• Mow across the face of slopes: never
up and down. Exercise extreme caution
when changing direction on slopes.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree
limbs, etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
DO NOT:
• Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or
embankments. The operator could lose
footing or balance.
• Do not trim excessively steep slopes.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced
footing could cause slipping.
III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents
can occur if the operator
is not alert to the presence
of children.
Children
are often attracted
to the
machine
and the mowing
activity.
Never
assume
that children
will remain
where
you last saw them.
• Keep children
out of the trimming
area
and under the watchful
care of another
responsible
adult.
• Be alert and turn machine
off if children
enter the area.
• Before
and while
walking
backwards,
look behind
and down for small
children.
• Never allow
children
to operate
the
machine.
• Use extra care when
approaching
blind corners,
shrubs,
trees,
or other
objects
that may obscure
vision.
IV. SERVICE
• 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.
• Never
run a machine
inside
a closed
area.
• 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.
• Keep nuts and bolts,
especially
blade
attachment
bolts, tight and keep
equipment
in good condition.
• 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.
Allow
machine
to cool before
storing.
• Stop and inspect
the equipment
if you
strike
an object.
Repair,
if necessary,
before restarting.
• Never attempt
to make wheel
height
adjustments
while
the engine
(motor)
is
running.
• Grass catcher
components
are subject
to wear, damage,
and deterioration,
which
could
expose
moving
parts or
allow objects
to be thrown.
Frequently
check
components
and replace
with
manufacturer's
recommended
parts,
when
necessary.
• Mower
blades
are sharp
and can cut.
Wrap the blade(s)
or wear gloves,
and
use extra caution
when servicing
them.
• Do not change
the engine
governor
setting
or overspeed
the engine.
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