SAFETY RULES 
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.
Look for this symbol to point out im- portant safety precautions. It means CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
WARNING: In order to prevent acciden- tal starting when setting up, transport- ing, adjusting or making repairs, always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug.
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: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemi- cals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and related accessories 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.
WARNING:Thislawnmowerisequipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved
In the state of California the above is required by law (Sec- tion 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest authorized service center.
I. CHILDREN
W A R N I N G : C H I L D R E N C A N BE SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED BY THIS EQUIPMENT. Carefully read and follow all of the safety instructions below.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 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.
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 mowing area and under the watchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator.
•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.
II. 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 blade. Stay behind the handle when the engine (motor) is running.
•Be sure the area is clear of other people before mow- ing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
•Do not operate machine barefooted or while wearing sandals. Always wear substantial footwear with good ankle support while mowing.
•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 obstruction. Ma- terial may richochet back toward the operator. Stop blade when crossing gravel surfaces.
•Do not operate the mower without proper guards, plates, grass catcher or other safety protective devices in place.
•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.
•Never leave a running machine unattended.
•Stop the engine (motor) and wait until the blade comes to a complete stop before cleaning the machine, re- moving the grass catcher, or unclogging the discharge chute.
•Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
•Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
2