•
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 respom
sible adult other than the operator,
•
Be alert and turn machine
off if a child
enters the area.
t
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 downhil!,
if possible