This unit has been inspected against the manufacturers quality check list. In case of a discrep- ancy, please call us. We will make every effort to ship the part(s) by courier within one working day of your call.
IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
WARNING: This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not fol- lowed, could endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury.
When you see this symbol— 
heed its warning.
DANGER: This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe op- eration in this manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.
GENERAL OPERATION
•Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe place for future and regular reference and for ordering replace- ment parts.
•Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation. Know how to stop the machine and disengage them quickly.
•Never allow children under 14 years old to operate this machine. Children 14 years old and over should read and understand the operation instructions and safety rules in this manual and should be trained and su- pervised by a parent.
•Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper instruction.
•To help avoid blade contact or a thrown ob- ject injury, keep bystanders, helpers, children and pets at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in operation. Stop ma- chine if anyone enters the area.
•Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones, toys and other foreign objects which could be tripped over or picked up and thrown by the blade. Thrown objects can cause serious personal injury.
•Plan your mowing pattern to avoid dis- charge of material toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders and the like. Also, avoid dis- charging material against a wall or obstruction which may cause discharged material to ricochet back toward the opera- tor.
•Always wear safety glasses or safety gog- gles during operation and while performing an adjustment or repair to protect your eyes. Thrown objects which ricochet can cause serious injury to the eyes.
•Wear sturdy,
•Many injuries occur as a result of the mower being pulled over the foot during a fall caused by slipping or tripping. Do not hold on to the mower if you are falling; release the handle immediately.
•Never pull the mower back toward you while you are walking. If you must back the mower away from a wall or obstruction first look down and behind to avoid tripping and then follow these steps:
a)Step back from the mower to fully extend your arms.
b)Be sure you are well balanced with sure footing.
c)Pull the mower back slowly, no more than half way toward you.
d)Repeat these steps as needed.
•Do not operate the mower while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
•Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the cutting deck. Contact with the blade can amputate hands and feet.
•A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause blade contact or thrown object inju- ries.
•Do not engage the
•Never attempt to make a wheel or cutting height adjustment while the engine is run- ning.
•The blade control handle is a safety device. Never attempt to bypass its operation. Doing so makes the safety device inopera-
3