Safe Operating Practices, General Operation

DANGER, WARNING and CAUTION are signal words used to identify the level of hazard. However, regardless of the hazard, be extremely careful.

DANGER signals an extreme hazard that will cause serious injury or death if the recommended precautions are not followed.

WARNING signals a hazard that may cause serious injury or death if the recommended precautions are not followed.

CAUTION signals a hazard that may cause minor or moderate injury if the recommended precautions are not followed.

Two other words are also used to highlight information. ªImportantº calls attention to special mechanical information and ªNoteº emphasizes general information worthy of special attention.

The left and right side of the machine is determined by standing behind the handle in the normal operator's position.

This machine meets or exceeds CPSC blade safety requirements for walk-behind rotary mowers and the B71.4±1990 specifications of the American National Standards Institute, in effect at time of production. However, improper use or maintenance by the operator or owner can result in injury. To reduce the potential for injury, comply with these safety instructions and always pay attention to the safety alert symbol which means CAUTION, WARNING or DANGERÐªpersonal safety instruction.º Failure to comply with the instruction may result in personal injury.

Safe Operating Practices

This product is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Always follow all safety instructions to avoid serious injury or death.

This mower is designed for cutting and recycling grass or, when equipped with a grass bag, for catching cut grass. Any use for purposes other than these could prove dangerous to user or bystanders.

Note: This engine is NOT equipped with a spark arrester muffler. Use or operation of this mower in the State of California on any forest-covered, brush-covered or unimproved grass-covered land, without an approved spark arrester muffler, is a violation of the law. Other states may have similar laws.

General Operation

1.Read this manual carefully before operating the mower. Become familiar with the controls and proper use of the mower. Never allow children under 16 years of age to operate the mower. Never allow adults to operate mower without proper instructions.

2.The operator of the mower is responsible for keeping everyone, especially children and pets, away from area of operation. The operator is responsible for accidents or hazards occurring to other people or their property.

3.Thoroughly inspect area where mower will be used and remove sticks, stones, wire, and debris that could be picked up and thrown by mower. Watch for foreign objects while mowing.

4.Wear long pants and substantial shoes. Do not operate mower while wearing open-toed shoes, jewelry, loose clothing or when barefoot.

5.Check fuel level before starting engine. Because fuel is highly flammable, handle it carefully.

A.Use an approved fuel container.

B.Fill fuel tank outdoors, not indoors.

NEVER ADD FUEL TO AN ENGINE THAT IS RUNNING OR HOT.

C.Install gas cap on fuel container and gas tank, and wipe up any spilled gasoline before starting engine.