Safe Mowing Guide

mower was completely assembled at the store, you must still check the mower according to the assembly instructions. Make sure the mower is correctly assembled and that all fasteners are tight. Make sure the engine has the correct amount of oil. Check these items often during the life of the mower.

Your mower has a gasoline engine. Gasoline is a dangerous fuel. Keep gasoline only in an approved safety gasoline container. Do not keep large amounts of gasoline. When you add gasoline to the fuel tank, do not smoke. Store the gasoline container and the mower in an area that has good ventilation. Also, keep the gasoline away from any flames like the pilot light of a furnace or any other source of ignition. If the mower is to be stored for more than a few weeks, remove the gasoline from the fuel tank. When inside an enclosure, do not add gasoline to the fuel tank. Before you add gasoline, move the mower outside and add gasoline carefully. Before you start the engine, remove any gasoline from the outside of the fuel tank or from the mower. Warm gasoline will expand. Leave some space in the fuel tank for the gasoline to expand. Also, the fuel cap has a vent hole for fuel vapors. Always use the correct fuel cap. Failure to follow safety rules about gasoline will cause fires and explosions, injury to you and damage to the equipment and other property.

of the mower. Stop the engine. Let the engine and transmission cool before servicing the mower. Remember, exhaust fumes are dangerous. Never operate the engine inside a building.

When you get a new mower, it can be a new experience for the family. Tell each person how a mower can be dangerous.

Remember, a mower is not a toy. A mower is not to be used by children or anyone not old enough, strong enough or that does not have experience.

If the mower is not correctly assembled, not operated correctly, or not regularly serviced, the mower can be dangerous. The most important rule to follow is always use good judgement and common sense. Mow safely and carefully.

Your mower will easily cut thick grass. Fingers, feet and other parts can also be cut by the blade. Injuries occur when the operator does not think and reaches into the chute opening. Always operate the mower as if the blade is rotating. Do not service or make an adjustment, except to the carburetor, while the engine is running.

When you mow, remember that children are attracted to the mower. Always use caution when mowing around obstacles like trees or shrubs or when moving backward. Only mow in a forward direction if possible. Your visibility is decreased when you mow backward. Also, the blades are made to cut while the unit is moving forward. If you mow backward, the cutting performance decreases.

Before you leave the mower, stop the engine. Remove the key. Disengage and lower any attachment. Set the parking brake. Never mount or dismount from the seat while the engine is running. An accident can occur if you touch the brake, shift lever, throttle, clutch or blade control while the engine is running. Mount and dismount from the seat on the side of the unit that is marked ENTER−EXIT.

If you add gasoline to an engine that is running or hot, the result can be an explosion. Before you add gasoline, stop the engine and let the engine cool for several minutes. Remove dry grass and other debris from the mower. Keep the mower clean to improve the performance, help the engine and transmission run cooler, extend the life of moving parts, and decrease the danger of a fire.

Fires and explosions are not the only dangers when working around a mower. The engine, transmission, and the muffler will get hot in several minutes when the engine is running. Do not touch these parts

Use only accessories that are factory approved for your mower. The wrong accessory can decrease the safety of the mower and can even damage the unit. Read and follow the instructions included with the accessory and the mower.

Use only original equipment or replacement parts that are factory approved for service. If you need service, select an Authorized Service Center for your mower. If you do the work on the unit, follow the instructions in the Instruction Book.

Make sure you are in good condition when you mow. When you mow for several hours your reflexes will decrease and your mind will not be as alert. Take a short break or an accident can occur. If the temperature is hot, use caution to prevent dehydration. If you are tired, angry or not completely alert, do not operate the mower. If you use alcohol, medication or drugs, do not use the mower or any type of power equipment.

Engine speed is a key to safe mowing and to a good looking lawn. The maximum speed of the engine was set at the factory. Do not change the setting of the engine governor.

Select the maximum engine and ground speed that is right for the terrain and the height of the grass. The blade cuts best when the engine is operating at maximum speed. The engine and transmission will also run cooler at maximum engine speed.

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