Remove
gas-powered
equipment
from
the truck
or trailer
and refuel
it on the
ground.
If this is not possible,
then
refuel
such equipment
with a portable
container,
rather
than from a gasoline
dispenser
nozzle.
Keep the nozzle
in contact
with the rim
of the fuel tank or container
opening
at
all times
until fueling
is complete.
Do
not use a nozzle
lock-open
device.
If fuel is spilled
on clothing,
change
clothing
immediately.
Never
overfill
fuel tank.
Replace
gas
cap and tighten
securely.
GENERAL
SERVICE
Never
operate
machine
in a closed
area.
Keep all nuts and bolts tight to be sure
the equipment
is in safe working
condi-
tion.
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 and remove any fuel-soaked
debris.
Allow machine to cool before
storing.
If you strike a foreign object, stop and
inspect the machine. Repair, if neces-
sary, before restarting.
Never make any adjustments
or repairs
with the engine running.
Check grass catcher components
and
the discharge
guard frequently and
replace with manufacturer's
recom-
mended parts, when necessary.
Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the
blade or wear gloves, and use extra
caution when servicing them.
Check brake operation frequently.
Ad-
just and service as required.
Maintain or replace safety and instruc-
tion labels, as necessary.
Be sure the area is clear
of bystand-
ers before
operating.
Stop
machine
if
anyone
enters
the area.
Never
carry passengers.
Do not mow in reverse
unless
abso-
lutely
necessary.
Always
look down
and behind
before
and while
backing.
Never
carry children,
even with the
blades
shut off.
They
may fall off and
be seriously
injured
or interfere
with
safe machine
operation.
Children
who
have
been given
rides
in the past may
suddenly
appear
in the mowing
area
for another
ride and be run over or
backed
over by the machine.
Keep children
out of the mowing
area
and in the watchful
care of a respon-
sible adult
other than the operator.
Be alert and turn machine
off if a child
enters
the area.
Before and while backing, look behind
and down for small children.
Mow up and down slopes (15 ° Max),
not across.
Choose a low ground speed so that
you will not have to stop or shift while
on the slope.
Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on
a slope.
If the tires lose traction,
dis-
engage the blades and proceed slowly
straight down the slope.
If machine stops while going uphill,
disengage
blades, shift into reverse
and back down slowly.
Do not turn on slopes unless neces-
sary, and then, turn slowly and gradu-
ally downhill, if possible.
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