General Operation, II. Slope Operation, Do not

I. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all
	instructions on the machine and in the
	manual(s) before starting. Be thoroughly
	familiar with the controls and the proper
	use of the machine before starting.
•	Do not put hands or feet near or under
	rotating parts. Keep clear of the dis-
	charge opening at all times.
• Only allow responsible individuals, who
	are familiar with the instructions, to oper-
	ate the machine.
•	Clear the area of objects such as rocks,
	toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc., which
	could be picked up and thrown by blade.
•	Be sure the area is clear of other people
	before mowing. Stop machine if anyone
	enters the area.
•	Do not operate the mower when bare-
	foot or wearing open sandals. Always
	wear substantial foot wear.
•	Do not pull mower backwards unless
	absolutely necessary. Always look down
	and behind before and while moving
	backwards.
• Never direct discharged material toward
	anyone. Avoid discharging material
	against a wall or obstruction. Material
	may richochet back toward the opera-
	tor. Stop the blade when crossing gravel
	surfaces.
•	Do not operate the mower without
	proper guards, plates, grass catcher or
	other safety protective devices in place.
• See manufacturer’s instructions for
	proper operation and installation of
	accessories. Only use accessories ap-
	proved by the manufacturer.
•	Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel
	drives, walks, or roads.
•	Stop the engine (motor) whenever you
	leave the equipment, before cleaning the
	mower or unclogging the chute.
• Shut the engine (motor) off and wait until
	the blade comes to complete stop before
	removing grass catcher.
• Mow only in daylight or good artiﬁ cial
	light.
•	Do not operate the machine while under
	the inﬂ uence of alcohol or drugs.
•	Never operate machine in wet grass.
	Always be sure of your footing: keep a
	ﬁ rm hold on the handle; walk, never run.
•	Disengage the self-propelled mech-
	anism or drive clutch on mowers so
	equipped before starting the engine.
• If the equipment should start to vibrate
	abnormally, stop the engine (motor) and
	check immediately for the cause. Vibra-

•Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields when oper- ating mower.

II. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to slip & fall accidents which can result in severe injury. All slopes require extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.

DO:

•Mow across the face of slopes: never up and down. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.

•Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.

•Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

DO NOT:

•Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or embankments. The operator could lose footing or balance.

•Do not trim excessively steep slopes.

•Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced footing could cause slipping.

III. 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.

•Keep children out of the trimming area and under the watchful care of another responsible adult.

•Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.

•Before and while walking backwards, look behind and down for small children.

•Never allow children to operate the machine.

•Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.

IV. SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE

Use extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely ﬂ ammable and the vapors are explosive.

• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of ignition.

• Use only an approved container.

• Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow engine to cool before refueling.

• Never refuel the machine indoors.

• Never store the machine or fuel contain- er where there is an open ﬂ ame, spark or pilot light such as a water heater or

tion is generally a warning of trouble.

on other appliances.