SAFETY GUIDELINES - DEFINITIONS
It is important for you to read and understand this manual.
The information it contains relates to protecting YOUR SAFETY and PREVENTING PROBLEMS. The symbols below are used to help you rec- ognize this information.
DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury. 
CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.
CAUTION: Used without the safety alert symbol indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in property damage.
The following are explanations of important safety hazard pictorials on the mower.
1. User must read and understand the instruction manual.
2. To avoid the risk of serious injury do not mow up and down slopes. Always mow across slopes.
3.To avoid the risk of injury to bystanders keep all persons and pets at a safe distance from the mower while operating.
4.Rotating blades can cause serious injury. Keep hands and feet clear of mower deck and discharge opening at all times. Always be sure blade has stopped (wait for the blade to stop rotating (approximately 3 seconds) after releasing switch lever and unpluging before
removing and replacing grass catcher, cleaning, servicing, transporting or lifting the mower.
5. Objects struck by mower blade can cause serious injury. Stay behind the handle when the motor is running. Always ensure persons and pets are clear of the discharge from the mower while operating. Always inspect mowing area before mowing and remove objects that could be thrown by blade. Release switch lever to turn mower off and wait for the blade to stop rotating (approximately 3 seconds) before crossing walk, roads, patio and gravel drives.
WARNING: IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: When using electric gardening appliances, basic safety precautions should always be followed to reduce risk of fire, electric shock, and personal injury, including the following.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
TO REDUCE RISK OF INJURY:
•Before any use, be sure everyone using this tool reads and understands all safety instructions and other information contained in this manual.
•Save these instructions and review frequently prior to use and in instructing others.
DANGER IMPORTANT SAFE PRACTICES FOR WALK-BEHIND MOWERS
This lawn mower 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
1.Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the mower and in the instruction manual before starting.
2.Do not put hands or feet near or under the mower. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.
3.Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the instructions, to operate this mower.
4.Clear the area where the mower is to be used of objects such as rocks, sticks, wire, toys, bones, etc., which could be thrown by the blade. Objects struck by the blade can cause severe injury to persons. Stay behind the handle when the motor is running.
5.Be sure the area surrounding the mower is clear of bystanders before operating. All bystanders and pets should be kept at a safe distance. Stop the mower if anyone enters the area surrounding the mower.
6.Do not operate mower barefooted or while wearing sandals. Always wear substantial footwear.
7.Do not pull mower backward unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while moving backward.
8.Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction. Material may ricochet back toward the operator. Release switch lever to turn mower off and stop the blade when crossing gravel surfaces or when flipping the handle.
9.Do not operate mower without the entire grass catcher, discharge guard, rear guard, or other safety protective devices in place and working. Periodically check all guards and safety protective devices to ensure they are in good working order and will operate properly and perform their intended function. Replace a damaged guard or other safety device before further use.
10.Never leave a running mower unattended.
11.Always release the switch lever to stop the motor and wait until the blade comes to a complete stop and unplug the mower before cleaning the mower, removing the grass catcher, unclogging the discharge guard, when leaving the mower, or before making any adjustments, repairs or inspections.
12.Operate mower only in daylight or good artificial light when objects in the path of the blade are clearly visible from the operating area of the mower.
13.Do not operate mower while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or when you are tired or ill. Always stay alert, watch what you are doing, and use common sense.
14.Avoid dangerous environments. Never operate mower in damp or wet grass, never use mower in the rain. Always be sure of your footing; walk; never run.
15.Disengage the drive system, if so equipped, before starting the motor.
