• Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel
drives, walks, or roads.
• Stop the engine (motor) whenever you
leave the equipment, before cleaning
the mower or unclogging the chute.
• Shut the engine (motor) off and wait
until the blade comes to complete stop
before removing grass catcher.
• 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 start 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
operating 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-off`s, 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.
II1. 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
acciden-
tal 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
3
setting
or overspeed
the engine.