I. GENERAL
OPERATION
• Read,
understand,
and follow all
instructions
on the machine
and in the
manual(s)
before
starting.
Be thoroughly
familiar
with the controls
and the proper
use of the machine
before
starting.
• Do not put hands
or feet near or under
rotating
parts. Keep clear
of the dis-
charge
opening
at all times.
• Only allow
responsible
individuals,
who
are familiar
with the instructions,
to oper-
ate the machine.
• Clear the area of objects
such as rocks,
toys, wire, bones,
sticks, etc., which
could
be picked
up and thrown
by blade.
• Be sure the area is clear of other people
before
mowing.
Stop machine
if anyone
enters
the area.
• Do not operate
the mower
when
bare-
foot or wearing
open sandals.
Always
wear substantial
foot wear.
• Do not pull mower
backwards
unless
absolutely
necessary.
Always
look down
and behind
before
and while moving
backwards.
• Never direct discharged
material
toward
anyone.
Avoid
discharging
material
against
a wall or obstruction.
Material
may richochet
back toward
the opera-
tor. Stop the blade when crossing
gravel
surfaces.
• Do not operate
the mower without
proper
guards,
plates,
grass catcher
or
other safety
protective
devices
in place.
• See manufacturer's
instructions
for
proper
operation
and installation
of
accessories.
Only use accessories
ap-
proved
by the manufacturer.
• 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;
walk, never run.
• Disengage
the self-propelled
mech-
anism
or drive clutch
on mowers
so
equipped
before
starting
the engine.
•
If the equipment
should
start to vibrate
abnormally,
stop the engine
(motor)
and
check
immediately
for the cause. Vibra-
tion 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 &
fall accidents
which can result in severe
in-
jury. 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
foot-
ing 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 ma-
chine.
• Use extra care when
approaching
blind
corners,
shrubs,
trees,
or other objects
that may obscure
vision.
IV. SAFE
HANDLING
OF GASOLINE
Use extreme
care in handling
gasoline.
Gasoline
is extremely
flammable
and the
vapors
are explosive.
• Extinguish
all cigarettes,
cigars,
pipes
and other sources
of ignition.
• Use only an approved
container.
• Never remove
gas cap or add fuel with
the engine
running.
Allow engine
to cool
before
refueling.
• Never refuel the machine
indoors.
• Never store the machine
or fuel contain-
er where
there is an open flame,
spark
or pilot light such as a water heater
or on
other appliances.
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