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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