Safe Mowing Guide

Each person that operates power equipment must learn to use correct and safe mowing procedures. To help you learn, carefully read the following pages. Most of the time the operator was not correctly shown or did not read the instructions on the unit or in the Instruction Book before using the unit. Also, some operators do not have enough experience. The result is unsafe use, endangering the operator, bystanders and the equipment. Another result can be a poor appearance of the area mowed.

Read this book. Read the instructions on the unit. Operate the mower according to the Safe Mowing Guide. Follow all safety rules, cautions or warnings in this book and on the unit. Make sure anyone that uses the unit reads the instructions and is told how to safely operate the mower.

The mower will give you good service and durability, if operated in normal conditions. If the mower is not correctly serviced or is used where the terrain is rough or unsuitable, product performance and safety will be decreased.

Correct clothing is an important part of safe mowing. Safety glasses will protect the eyes from objects discharged by the mower. Safety shoes with steel plates can protect a foot from injury by the blade. For protection from objects discharged from the mower, wear clothing that will cover the arms and legs.

Before you start cutting the grass, practice using the mower in a large open and level area. Learn the location of the controls on the mower. Know the purpose of the

controls and how they work. In an emergency, how fast you can stop the blade is important. Learn how to control the mower at all times.

Many engines are started by hand. When you use a pull start or rope start, place your feet apart and away from the blade(s). Hold the rope handle tight. Never wrap the rope around your arm or fingers for a better grip. To start the engine, follow the instructions on the mower, in this book and in the engine operating instructions.

For electric start engines, sit in the seat to start the engine. The battery can be dangerous. Follow the instructions on the battery, the acid container, and in this book when working with the battery. Even small batteries have enough voltage to cause an injury. Always be careful.

The mower is designed to be operated by one person. Never let another person ride with you on the unit or on any accessories. A passenger will make the unit harder to control, block the visibility or distract the operator and is dangerous to the operator, the passenger and the equipment. Without a passenger seat, the passenger can fall from the mower or contact dangerous parts. A mower is not a toy for showing off or for giving rides.

Never cut a wet lawn. Wet grass can cause an accident, affect mower performance and can cause problems with future lawn growth and appearance. Wet grass is slippery and can cause the mower to slip. Someone can get injured by touching the blade(s). Wet grass tends to clog the mower, causing poor discharge. Cut wet grass will collect on the lawn, retarding the growth of the grass. Also, getting the mower wet will cause parts to rust and decrease the life of the unit.

When you look over the lawn, remember obstacles that cannot be removed, like pipes, stumps or rocks. Keep away from these obstacles that can cause damage to the mower or injury to the operator or a person near the mower. Clear the area of rocks, toys, wire or other loose objects. These items can damage the mower or can be discharged by the mower blade.

The blade of a power mower rotates very fast. It can discharge rocks and other objects over a long distance which can be dangerous. The force of the objects can break windows, cause injuries or even put an eye out. Most of the time the injury is to a person, like a child. Keep every person completely away from the area to be mowed. Make sure the grass is not discharged toward anyone. Planning your mowing pattern has a double advantage. It can decrease the possibility of an injury and make the clean up after mowing easier.

Check the terrain of the area to be mowed. Mow in a pattern that will keep you away from dangerous areas. Check the distance you need to stop and the distance available to turn. Slopes and rough terrain must be mowed carefully and some areas must not be mowed at all. With riding mowers, mow up and down the hill. When you must mow rough terrain or on slopes, never change directions or change gears and stop in these areas only in an emergency. Before you ride up or down a slope, try to back straight up the slope. Do not ride up or down a slope that is too steep to back straight up. See the Guide in the back of this Instruction Book to check any slopes.

Before you start cutting, make sure the mower was completely assembled according to the Instruction Book. If the

F 050758L