Eng Safety Precautions

Operator safety

•Read this manual carefully and make sure you understand all controls and their function.

•Keep in mind that the operator or user is responsible for accidents or hazards occurring to other people or their property.

•Always wear heavy, long pants, boots and do not wear short pants, sandals or go barefoot.

•Make sure that the working area is clear of pebbles, sticks or other debris. These objects could be thrown out from the machine and cause an injury or equipment damage. Avoid driving across gravelled paths, etc.

•Never start or run the engine inside a closed room or building. Breathing exhaust fumes can kill.

•Do not allow children or people unfamiliar with these instructions to use the mower.

•Do not mow while people, especially children, or pets are in the mowing area.

Tool safety

•Inspect the entire tool before each use. Replace dam- aged parts. Check for fuel leaks and make sure all fasteners are in place and securely fastened.

•Replace faulty silencer.

•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.

Fuel safety

•Warning – Petrol is highly flammable.

•Pour fuel outdoors and where there are no sparks or flames.

•Use a container approved for fuel.

•Do not smoke or allow smoking near fuel or the tool or while using the tool.

•Wipe up all fuel spills before starting engine.

•Move at least 3 meters away from fueling site before starting engine.

•Stop engine before removing fuel cap.

•Do not fill petrol when engine is warm.

Cutting safety

•Mowing on slopes can be dangerous. Do not mow on very steep slopes. Mow across the face of slopes, never up and down.

•The mower should not be used on ground that slopes more than 30°. This could cause engine lubrication problems.

•Never transport the mower with the engine running. If transport requires the mower to be lifted, the operator must first make sure that the cutting blade has stopped.

•Never operate the mower with defective guards or shields, or without safety devices, for example deflectors and/or grass catchers, in place.

•Start the engine or switch of the motor carefully according to instructions and with feet well away from the blade(s).

•Do not tilt the mower when starting the engine or switch- ing on the motor, except if the mower has to be tilted for starting. In this case, do not tilt it more than absolutely necessary and lift only the part which is away from the operator.

•Do not start the engine when standing in front of the discharge chute.

•Keeps hands and feet well away from rotating blade. On models with open chute, never stick hand into chute.

•Never pick up or carry a mower while the engine is running.

•Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire: before clearing blockages or unclogging chute; before checking, clearing or working on the mower. After striking a foreign object, inspect the mower for damage and make repairs before restarting and operating the mower. If mower starts to vibrate abnormally (check immediately). Stop the engine before you leave the mower: before refuelling.

Maintenance - and storage safety

•Regularly check that all bolts, screws and nuts are tightened. Replace any damaged parts immediately. Only use original spare parts.

•Store tool and fuel in an area where fuel vapors cannot reach sparks or open flames from water heaters, electric motors or switches, furnaces, etc.

•Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.

•To reduce the fire hazard, keep the engine, silencer, battery compartment and petrol storage area free of grass, leaves, or excessive grease.

•Check the grass catcher frequently for wear or deteriora- tion.

Transport safety

•Remove the spark plug lead. Loosen the wire/cable from the handle before carefully folding the handle. Avoid damaging the wire/cable. Empty the petrol tank. Before public transporting engine oil and petrol must be re- moved.