•
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.
I1.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.
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
comers, 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
setting
or overspeed
the engine.
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