• 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 re-
place with manufacturer's
recommended
parts, when
necessary.
• Mower
blades
are sharp.
Wrap
the
blade or wear gloves,
and use extra cau-
tion when
servicing
them.
• Check
brake operation
frequently.
Adjust
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 responsible
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,
disen-
gage 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 gradually
downhill,
if possible.
5