2Section 1: Safety
16.Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or when tired or ill.
17.If using machine in wet conditions, exercise extreme care to prevent loss of footing. Wear footwear that will improve traction. Avoid sloping ground. Hold the handlebars with two hands and walk; never run.
18.Release Trimmer Head Control Bail before starting engine.
19.If the unit starts to vibrate abnor- mally, stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire. Check immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally a warn- ing of trouble.
20.Always wear approved safety gog- gles or safety glasses with side shields when operating equipment. The use of any powered machine can result in for- eign objects being thrown by highspeed rotating parts which can cause personal injury or property damage. Stay away from glass and other easily thrown or breakable objects.
21.Wear work gloves and sturdy footwear when using this equipment. Leather work shoes or short boots are ideal. They protect ankles and shins from rocks, pebbles, splinters, etc.
22.It is advisable to wear protective headgear to prevent the possibility of being hit by small flying particles, etc.
23.Before each use, inspect the Throttle Control Lever and cable. Make sure the cable is free and the lever functions properly.
24.Watch for traffic when near or when crossing roadways.
25.Never attempt to carry children or other passengers on the equipment. They could fall off and be seriously injured, or they could interfere with safe operation of the equipment.
26.The machine is equipped with a plas- tic debris shield in front of the engine and a rubber debris flap under the frame.
They must be in place and working prop- erly. Never remove or cause the debris shield or debris flap to cease working. If either of these parts is missing or not working properly, do not use the equip- ment until this situation is corrected.
27.Be aware of where the machine is discharging materials and do not point the discharge at anyone.
28.Never run the engine in an enclosed area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, a deadly gas that is odorless, colorless and tasteless. Always run the engine outdoors where there is adequate ventilation.
29.Slow down before turning.
30.Shut off engine when not trimming or mowing.
31.Use extra care when loading or un- loading machine into a trailer or truck.
32.Use this equipment for its intended purpose only.
33.Always make sure the handlebars are tight and comfortably positioned. They should never be in an awkward position for the operator.
SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and
Do:
Mow across the face of slopes; never up and down. Exercise extreme cau- tion when changing direction on slopes. Avoid slopes greater than 15o.
Remove objects such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
Uneven terrain could overturn the ma- chine. Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
Use slow speed.
Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. These can change the stability of the machine. Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual.
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope.
Do Not:
Do not mow near
Do not mow on very steep slopes.
Do not mow on wet grass. Slippery footing can be hazardous.
CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the ma- chine and the mowing activity. Never as- sume that children will remain where you last saw them.
1.Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of a respon- sible adult.
2.Be alert and turn machine off if chil- dren enter the area.
3.Before and while moving backwards, look behind and down for small children.
4.Never allow children to operate the machine.
5.Use extra care near blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
6.Never carry children, even with the trimmer head stopped. Children may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation.
7.Do not allow children nearby if you are working.
SERVICE
1.Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They are flammable and their vapors are explosive. To help pre- vent a fire or explosion:
a)Use only an approved container.
b)Never remove gas cap or add fuel when the engine is running. Let en- gine cool before refueling. Do not smoke.
c)Never refuel the machine indoors. Fill the fuel tank outdoors and with extreme care.
d)Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an open flame, such as a water heater, etc.