1.GENERAL OPERATION
• Read,understand,andfollow all
instructionson the machineand in the
manual(s)beforestarting. Be thoroughly
familiar with the controls andthe proper
use of the machinebeforestarting.
• Do not put handsor feet near or under
rotatingparts.Keepclear of the dis-
charge openingat all times.
Only allow responsibleindividuals,who
are familiarwith the instructions,to oper-
ate the machine.
Clear the area of objects such as rocks,
toys,wire, bones,sticks,etc., which could
be pickedup and thrownby the blade.
Be sure the area is clear of other people
beforemowing.Stop machine if anyone
enters the area.
Do not operate the mowerwhen bare-
foot or wearing open sandals.Always
wear substantialfoot wear.
Do not pull mowerbackwardsunless ab-
solutely necessary. A lwayslookdownand
behindbefore& while movingbackwards.
Do not operate the mowerwithout
proper guards,plates,grass catcheror
other safetyprotectivedevices in place.
See manufacturer'sinstructionsfor
proper operationand installationof
accessories.Only use accessoriesap-
provedby the manufacturer.
• Stop the blade(s)when crossinggravel
drives, walks,or roads.
• Stop the engine (motor)wheneveryou
leavethe equipment,beforecleaningthe
moweror uncloggingthe chute.
• Shut the engine (motor) off and wait until
the bladecomes to completestop before
removinggrass catcher.
• Mowonlyin daylightor good artificiallight.
• Do not operate the machinewhile under
the influenceof alcoholor drugs.
• Never operate machine in wet grass.
Alwaysbesureof yourfooting:keepa firm
hold on the handleand walk;neverrun.
• Disengagethe self-propelledmechanism
or drive clutch on mowers so equipped
beforestartingthe engine(motor).
• If the equipmentshould start to vibrate
abnormally,stop the engine(motor) and
check immediatelyfor the cause.Vibra-
tion is generallya warningof trouble.
• Alwayswearsafetygogglesorsafetyglass-
es withsideshieldswhenoperatingmower.
11. S LOPE OPERATION
•
Slopes are a majorfactor relatedto slip and
fallaccidentswhichcanresultinsevereinjury. •
All slopes require extra caution. If you feel
uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.
3
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.
111. C HILDREN
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 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 wire away
from plug to prevent accidental starting.
• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade
attachment
bolts, tight and keep equip-
ment 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 coot before storing.