o Dressproperly.Do not operate mower
when barefootor wearingopen sandals.
Wear onlysolid shoes with good traction
when mowing.
o Checkfuel tank beforestartingengine.
Do not fill gas tank indoors,when the
engineis runningor when the engineis
hot°Allow the engineto coolfor several
minutesbeforefilling the gas tank.Clean
off any spilledgasoline beforestartingthe
engine.
o Always makewheel height adjustments
beforestartingyour mower.Never
attemptto do this while the engineis
running_
o Mow only in daylightor good artificial
light.
OPERATION:
• Keepyour eyes and mind on your mower
andthe area being cut. Do not let other
interestsdistractyou.
o Do not mowwet or slipperygrass. Never
run while operatingyour mower.Always
be sure
of your footing -- keep a firm
hold on the handles and walk.
,, Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotating parts° Keep clear of the discharge
opening at all times.
o Always stop the engine whenever you
leave or are not using your mower, or
before crossing driveways, walks, roads,
and any gravelJcovered
areas.
o Never direct discharge of material toward
bystanders nor allow anyone near the
mower while you are operating it.
o Before cleaning, inspecting, or repairing
your mower, stop the engine and make
absolutely sure the blade and all moving
parts have stopped. Then disconnect the
spark plug wire and keep it away from the
spark plug to prevent accidental starting.
o Do not continue to run your mower if you
hit a foreign object. Follow the procedure
outlined above, then repair any damage
before restarting and operating you
mowe r.
° Do not change the governor settings or
overspeed the engine° Engine damage or
personal injury may result.
° Do not operate your mower if it vibrates
abnormally. Excessive vibration is an
indication of damage;
stop the engine,
safely check for the cause of vibration
and repair as required.
o Do not run the engine indoors. Exhaust
fumes are dangerous.
o Never cut grass by pulling the mower
towards you. Mow across the face of
slopes, never up and down or you might
lose your footing. Do not mow exces-
sively steep slopes° Use caution when
operating the mower on uneven terrain
or when changing directions -- maintain
good footing.
o Never operate your mower without
proper guards, plates, grass catcher or
other safety devices in place.
MAINTENANCE
AND STORAGE:
• Check the blade and the engine mount-
ing bolts often to be sure they are
tightened properly.
o Check all bolts, nuts and screws at
frequent intervals for proper tightness to
be sure mower is in safe working
condition.
Keep all safety devices in place and
working.
To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine
free of grass, leaves or excessive grease
and oil.
o Check grass catcher often for deteriora-
tion and wear and replace worn bags.
Use only replacement bags that are
recommended by and comply with
specifications of the manufacturer
of your
mower.
• Always keep a sharp blade on your
mower.
o Allow engine to cool before storing in any
enclosure.
° Never store mower with fuel in the tank
inside a building where fumes may reach
an open flame or an ignition source such
as a hot water heater, space heater,
clothes dryer, etc.
,_CAUTION:
Always disconnect spark
plug wire and place wire where it cannot
contact spark plug in order to prevent
accidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making repairs.
WARNING
The engine exhaust from this product
contains chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer, birth defects, or
other reproductive harm.