Husqvarna 55B21HV Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Mowers, General Operation, IV. Service

SAFETY RULES

Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Mowers

IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

I. GENERAL OPERATION

•Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the manual(s) before starting. Be thor- oughly 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 discharge opening at all times.

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.

• Only allow responsible individuals, who are familiar		III. CHILDREN
	with the instructions, to operate the machine.	Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to
•	Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire,
		the presence of children. Children are often attracted to
	bones, sticks, etc., which could be picked up and thrown	the machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that
	by the blade.	children will remain where you last saw them.
• Be sure the area is clear of other people before mow-		• Keep children out of the trimming area and under the
	ing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.	watchful care of another responsible adult.
• Do not operate the mower when barefoot or wearing		• Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the
	open sandals. Always wear substantial foot wear.	area.
• Do not pull mower backwards unless absolutely nec-		• Before and while walking backwards, look behind and
	essary. Always look down and behind before and while	down for small children.
	moving backwards.	• Never allow children to operate the machine.
•	Do not operate the mower without proper guards,
		• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
	plates, grass catcher or other safety protective devices
		trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
	in place.

• See manufacturer’s instructions for proper operation		IV. SERVICE
	and installation of accessories. Only use accessories	• Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels.
	approved by the manufacturer.
		They are fl ammable and vapors are explosive.
• Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks,
		- Use only an approved container.
	or roads.
		- Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the
• Stop the engine (motor) whenever you leave the equip-
		engine running. Allow engine to cool before
	ment, before cleaning the mower or unclogging the	refueling. Do not smoke.
	chute.	- Never refuel the machine indoors.
•	Shut the engine (motor) off and wait until the blade comes	- Never store the machine or fuel container inside
		where there is an open fl ame, such as a water
	to complete stop before removing grass catcher.
		heater.
• Mow only in daylight or good artifi cial light.
		• Never run a machine inside a closed area.
• Do not operate the machine while under the infl uence
		• Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine
	of alcohol or drugs.
		(motor) running. Disconnect the spark plug wire, and
•	Never operate machine in wet grass. Always be sure of	keep the wire away from the plug to prevent accidental
	your footing: keep a fi rm hold on the handle and walk;	starting.
	never run.	• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachement
• Disengage the self-propelled mechanism or drive clutch		bolts, tight and keep equipment in good condition.
	on mowers so equipped before starting the engine (mo-	• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
	tor).
		operation regularly.
• If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally,
		• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris
	stop the engine (motor) and check immediately for the
		build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to
	cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
		cool before storing.
• Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side
		• Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object.
	shields when operating mower.
		Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
II. SLOPE OPERATION		• Never attempt to make wheel height adjustments while
Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents		the engine (motor) is running.
		• Grass catcher components are subject to wear, dam-
which can result in severe injury. All slopes require extra
		age, and deterioration, which could expose moving
caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.
		parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check
DO:		components and replace with manufacturer’s recom-
• Mow across the face of slopes:never up and down. Exer-		mended parts, when necessary.
	cise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.	• Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s)
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.		or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing
		them.
•	Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall grass can hide
		• Do not change the engine governor setting or overspeed
	obstacles.
		the engine.
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