Operation

•Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used and remove all objects which may be thrown by the machine.

•Warning—Fuel is highly flammable.

–Store fuel in containers specifically designed for this purpose.

–Refuel outdoors only and do not smoke while refuelling.

–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 fuel vapors have dissipated.

–Replace all fuel tanks and container caps securely.

•Replace faulty silencers.

•Before using, always visually inspect to see that the blades, blade bolts and cutter assembly are not worn or damaged. Replace worn or damaged blades and bolts in sets to preserve balance.

•On multi-bladed machines, take care as rotating one blade can cause other blades to rotate.

•Do not operate the engine in a confined space where dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.

•Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.

•Before attempting to start the engine, disengage all blade attachment clutches and shift into neutral.

•Do not use on slopes of more than

–5° when mowing on side hills;

–10° when mowing uphill;

–15° when mowing downhill.

•Remember there is no such thing as a safe slope. Travel on grass slopes requires particular care. To guard against overturning:

–do not stop or start suddenly when going up or downhill;

–engage clutch slowly, always keep machine in gear, especially when travelling downhill;

–machine speeds should be kept low on slopes and during tight turns;

–stay alert for humps and hollows and other hidden hazards;

–never mow across the face of the slope, unless the lawn mower is designed for this purpose.

•Use care when pulling loads or using heavy equipment.

–Use only approved drawbar hitch points.

–Limit loads to those you can safely control.

–Do not turn sharply. Use care when reversing.

–Use counterweight(s) or wheel weights when suggested in the instruction handbook.

•Watch out for traffic when crossing or near roadways.

•Stop the blades rotating before crossing surfaces other than grass.

•When using any attachments, never direct discharge of material toward bystanders nor allow anyone near the machine while in operation.

•Never operate the machine with damaged guards or without safety protective devices in place.

•Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed the engine. Operating the engine at excessive speed can increase the hazard of personal injury.

•Before leaving the operator’s position:

–disengage the power take-off and lower the attachments;

–change into neutral and set the parking brake;

–stop the engine and remove the key.

•Disengage drive to attachments, stop the engine, and disconnect the spark plug wire(s) or remove the ignition key

–before clearing blockages or unclogging chute;

–before checking, cleaning or working on the lawn mower;

–after striking a foreign object. Inspect the lawn mower for damage and make repairs before restarting and operating the equipment;

–if the machine starts to vibrate abnormally (check immediately).

•Disengage drive to attachments when transporting or not in use.

•Stop the engine and disengage drive to attachment

–before refuelling;

–before removing the grass catcher;

–before making height adjustment unless adjustment can be made from the operator’s position.