Section
1 Safety
SPARK ARRESTER WARNING TO RESIDENTS OF CALIFORNIA AND SEVERAL OTHER STATES
Under California law, and under the laws of several other states, you are not permitted to operate an internal combustion engine using hydrocarbon fuels on any forest covered, brush covered, or grass covered land, or on land covered with grain, hay, or other flammable agricultural crop, without an engine spark arrester in continuous effective working order.
The engine on your power equipment, like most outdoor power equipment, is an internal combustion engine that burns gasoline, a hydrocarbon fuel. Therefore, your power equipment must be equipped with a spark arrester muffler in continuous effective working order. The spark arrester must be attached to the engine exhaust system in such a manner that flames or heat from the system will not ignite flammable material. Failure of the owner/operator of the equipment to comply with this regulation is a misdemeanor under California law, and may also be a violation of other state and/or federal regulations, laws, ordinances, or codes. Contact your local fire marshal or forest service for specific information about what regulations apply in your area. Contact your authorized engine dealer for information about obtaining a spark arrester.
IMPORTANT
Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Mowers
This cutting 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.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
1.Read, understand, and follow all in- structions on the machine and in the manuals. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and the proper use of the mower before starting.
2.Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear of the mower blade and discharge opening at all times.
3.Only allow responsible individuals, who are familiar with the instruc- tions, to operate the mower.
4.Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the blade.
5.Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop mower if anyone enters the area. Keep by- standers at least 25 feet away from the area of operation.
6.Do not operate the mower when barefoot or wearing open sandals. Always wear substantial foot wear.
7.Do not pull mower backwards unless absolutely necessary. Look down and behind before and while moving backwards.
8.Do not operate the mower without proper guards, plates, grass catcher or other safety protective devices in place.
9.Refer to provided instructions for proper operation and installation of accessories. Only use accessories that are
10.Stop the blade when crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads.
11.Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug- whenever you leave the unit, before
cleaning the mower or unclogging the chute.
12.Shut the engine off, wait until the blade comes to a complete stop, and disconnect the spark plug wire be- fore installing or removing the mulcher cover or the optional grass catcher. Make certain that the grass catcher is securely attached before operating the mower. Empty the grass catcher after each use– decomposing debris could generate enough heat to catch fire.
13.Mow in daylight or good artificial light.
14.Do not operate the mower while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
1