GB SAFETY REGULATIONS
TO BE FOLLOWED CAREFULLY
A)TRAINING
1)Read the instructions carefully. Get familiar with the con- trols and proper use of the equipment. Learn how to stop the engine quickly.
2)Only use the lawnmower for the purpose for which it was designed, i.e. for cutting and collecting grass. Any other use can be hazardous, causing damage to the machine.
3)Never allow children or people unfamiliar with these instructions to use the lawnmower. Local regulations may restrict the age of the operator.
4)Never use the lawnmower:
–When people, especially children, or pets are nearby.
–If the operator has taken medicine or substances that can affect his ability to react and concentrate.
5) Remember that the operator or user is responsible for accidents or hazards occurring to other people or their property.
B)PREPARATION
1)While mowing, always wear sturdy footwear and long trousers. Do not operate the equipment when barefoot or wearing open sandals.
2)Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used and remove all objects which may be thrown by the machine or damage the cutter assembly and the engine (stones, sticks, metal wire, bones, etc.)
3)WARNING: DANGER! Engine fuel is highly flammable:
–Store fuel in containers specifically designed for this pur- pose.
–Refuel using a funnel and outdoors only. Do not smoke while refuelling or whenever handling the fuel.
–Add fuel before starting the engine. Never remove the cap of the fuel tank or add fuel while the engine is running or when the engine is hot.
–If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to start the engine but move the machine away from the area of spillage and avoid creating any source of ignition until the fuel has evaporated and the vapour dispersed.
–Replace all fuel tanks and containers caps securely.
4)Substitute faulty silencers.
5)Before use, always inspect the machine, especially the condition of the blades, and check that the screws and cut- ting assembly are not worn or damaged. Replace worn or damaged blades and screws in sets to preserve balance.
6)Before mowing, attach the discharge opening guards (grass-catcher or stone-guard).
C)OPERATION
1)Do not operate the engine in a confined space where dan- gerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.
2)Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
3)If possible, avoid operating the equipment in wet grass.
4)Always be sure of your footing on slopes.
5)Walk, never run and do not allow yourself to be pulled along by the lawnmower.
6)Mow across the face of slopes, never up and down.
7)Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
8)Do not mow on slopes of more than 20°.
9)Exercise extreme caution when pulling the lawnmower towards you.
10)Stop the blade if the lawnmower has to be tilted for transportation when crossing surfaces other than grass, and when transporting the lawnmower to and from the area to be mowed.
11)Never operate the lawnmower with defective guards, or without safety devices, such as the stone-guard and/or grass-catcher, in place.
12)Do not change the engine governor settings or over- speed the engine.
13)On power-driven models, disengage the drive clutch before starting the engine.
14)Start the engine carefully, following the instructions and keeping feet well away from the blade.
15)Do not tilt the lawnmower when starting the engine. Start the engine on a flat surface that is free of obstacles and tall grass.
16)Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.
17)Never pick up or carry a lawnmower while the engine is running.
18)Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire:
–Before carrying out any work underneath the cutting deck or before unclogging the chute;
–Before checking, cleaning or working on lawnmower;
–After striking a foreign object. Inspect the lawnmower for damage and make repairs before restarting and operating the lawnmower;
–If the lawnmower starts to vibrate abnormally (find and remove the cause of the vibration immediately).
19) Stop the engine:
–Whenever you leave the lawnmower unattended. Remove the key from models with electric starters.
–Before refuelling.
–Every time you remove or replace the grass-catcher.
–Before adjusting the grass cutting height.
20)Reduce the throttle before turning off the engine and turn the fuel off when you have finished mowing, following the instructions in the engine handbook.
21)When mowing, always keep to a safe distance from the rotating blade. This distance is the length of the handle.
D)MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
1)Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the equip- ment is in safe working condition. Regular maintenance is essential for safety and performance.
2)Never store the equipment with fuel in the tank inside a building where vapour may reach a flame or a spark or a source of extreme heat.
3)Allow the engine to cool before storing in an enclosed space.
4)To reduce the fire hazard, keep the engine, exhaust silencer, battery compartment and fuel storage area free of grass, leaves, or excessive grease. Do not leave containers with grass cuttings in rooms.
5)Check the stone-guard and grass-catcher frequently for wear and deterioration.
6)If the fuel tank has to be drained, this should be done out- doors and when the engine is cool.
7)Wear strong work gloves when removing and re- assembling the blade.
8)Keep the blade balanced during sharpening. All opera- tions on the blade (dismantling, sharpening, balancing, remounting and/or replacing) require a certain familiarity and special tools. For safety reasons, these jobs are best carried out at a specialized centre.
9)For reasons of safety, do not use the equipment with worn or damaged parts. Parts are to be replaced and not repaired. Use genuine spare parts (blades should always bear the symbol 
). Parts that are not of the same quality can damage the equipment and be dangerous for your safe- ty.
E)TRANSPORTATION AND HANDLING
1)Whenever the machine is to be handled, raised, trans- ported or tilted you must:
– wear strong working gloves;
– grasp the machine at the points that offer a safe grip, tak- ing account of the weight and its distribution.
– use an appropriate number of people for the weight of the machine and the characteristics of the vehicle or the place where it has to be placed or collected.
