• 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
operat-
ing mower.
II. 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. Exemise 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.
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
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 the wire
away from the plug to prevent
acciden-
tal starting.
• Keep nuts and bolts, especially
blade
attachement
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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