Look for this symbol to point out im- portant safety precautions. It means CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot contact spark plug in order to prevent accidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs.
CAUTION: Muffler and other engine parts become extremely hot during operation and remain hot after engine has stopped. To avoid severe burns on contact, stay away from these areas.
WARNING: This lawn mower is equipped with an in- ternal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator. A spark arrester for the muffl er is available through your nearest authorized service center.
WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and related acces- sories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
•Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the manual(s) before starting. Be thoroughly 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.
•Only allow responsible individuals, who are familiar with the instructions, to operate the machine.
•Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the blade.
•Be sure the area is clear of other people before mow- ing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
•Do not operate the mower when barefoot or wearing open sandals. Always wear substantial foot wear.
•Do not pull mower backwards unless absolutely neces- sary. Always look down and behind before and while moving backwards.
•Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruc- tion. Material may richochet back toward the operator. Stop the blade when crossing gravel surfaces.
•Do not operate the mower without proper guards, plates, grass catcher or other safety protective devices
•See manufacturer’s instructions for proper operation and installation of accessories. Only use accessories approved by the manufacturer.
•Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads.
•Stop the engine (motor) whenever you leave the equip- ment, before cleaning the mower or unclogging the chute.
•Shut the engine (motor) off and wait until the blade comes to complete stop before removing grass catcher.
•Mow only in daylight or good artifi cial light.
•Do not operate the machine while under the infl uence of alcohol or drugs.
•Never operate machine in wet grass. Always be sure of your footing: keep a fi rm hold on the handle and walk; never run.
•Disengage the self-propelled mechanism or drive clutch onmowerssoequippedbeforestartingtheengine(motor).
•If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine (motor) and check immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
•Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields when operating mower.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents which can result in severe injury. All slopes require extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.
DO:
•Mow across the face of slopes: never up and down. Exer- cise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
•Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
•Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
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.
III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them.
•Keep children out of the trimming area and under the watchful care of another responsible adult.
•Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.
•Before and while walking backwards, look behind and down for small children.
•Never allow children to operate the machine.
•Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
WARNING: CHILDREN CAN BE INJURED BY THIS EQUIPMENT. The American Academy of Pediatrics rec- ommends that children be a minimum of 12 year of age before operating a pedestrian controlled lawn mower and a minimum of 16 years of age before operating a riding lawn mower.
