Briggs & Stratton WARNING:, Preparation, Protection for Children, Protection Against Tipovers, Protection Against Tipovers

WARNING: This powerful cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and can throw objects that can cause injury and damage! Failure to comply with the following SAFETY instructions could result in serious injury or death to the operator or other persons. The owner of the machine must understand these instructions and must allow only persons who understand these instructions to operate machine. Each person operating the machine must be of sound mind and body and must not be under the influence of any substance, which might impair vision, dexterity or judgment. If you have any questions pertaining to your machine which your dealer cannot answer to your satisfaction, contact the Customer Service Department.

Protection for Children		Protection Against Tipovers
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to		(Continued From Previous Column)
the presence of children. Children are often attracted to		6.	KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE (at least two mower
the machine and the mowing activity. Children who have			widths) away from edge of ditches and other drop
been given rides in the past may suddenly appear in the		7.	offs. The machine could turn over if an edge caves in.
mowing area for another ride and be run over or backed			Always begin forward motion slowly and with caution.
over by the machine. Never assume that children will		8.	Use weights or a weighted load carrier in accordance
remain where you last saw them.			with instructions supplied with a grass catcher. DO
1.	KEEP children out of the mowing area and under the		NOT operate machine on slopes exceeding 10
	watchful care of a responsible adult other than the		degrees (18% grade) when equipped with grass
2.	operator.	9.	catcher.
	DO NOT allow children in yard when machine is		DO NOT put your foot on the ground to try to stabilize
	operated (even with the blade OFF).		the machine.
attachments; these affect the handlingReproductionand the stability of ries. These operators should evaluate their ability to
3.	DO NOT allow children or others to ride on machine,	10.	DO NOT operate machi e on wet grass. Reduced
	attachments or towed equipment (even with the		t action could cause sliding.
4.	blades OFF). They may fall and be seriously injured.	11. Chose a l		w e ugh speed setting so that you will not
	DO NOT allow pre-teenage children to operate		have to st	p r shift on a slope. Tires may lose trac-
5.	machine.		tion on sl	pes even though the brakes are functioning
	ALLOW only responsible adults & teenagers wi h		properly.
	mature judgment under close adult supervision foro 12. DO NOT operate machine under any condition where
6.	operate machine.	13.	tra tion, steering or stability is doubtful.
	DO NOT operate blades in reverse. STOP BLADES.		Always keep the machine in gear when going down
	LOOK and SEE behind and down for children, pets		slopes. DO NOT shift to neutral (or actuate hydro roll
7.	and hazards before and while backing.		release) and coast downhill.
	USE EXTRA CARE when approaching blind corners,	Preparation
	shrubs, trees, or other objects thatNotmay obscu e
	vision.	1.	Read, understand, and follow instructions and warn-
Protection Against Tipovers			ings in this manual and on the machine, engine and
			attachments. Know the controls and the proper use of
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and		2.	the machine before starting.
tip-over accidents, which can result in s v re injury or			Only mature, responsible persons shall operate the
death. All slopes require extra CAUTION. If you cannot		3.	machine and only after proper instruction.
back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on the slope, DO			Data indicates that operators age 60 and above, are
NOT mow it. Use extra care with grass catchers or other			involved in a large percentage of mower-related inju-
the machine.			operate the mower safely enough to protect them-
1.	DO NOT operate machine on slopes exceeding 10	4.	selves and others from serious injury.
2.	degrees (18% grade).		Handle fuel with extra care. Fuels are flammable and
	Exercise EXTREME CAUTION on all slopes. Turn		vapors are explosive. Use only an approved fuel con-
	blades OFF when traveling uphill. Use a slow speed		tainer. DO NOT remove fuel cap or add fuel with
3.	and avoid sudden or sharp turns.		engine running. Add fuel outdoors only with engine
	DO NOT operate machine back and forth across face		stopped and cool. Clean spilled fuel from machine.
	of slopes. Operate up and down. Practice on slopes	5.	DO NOT smoke.
4.	with blades off.		Practice operation of machine with BLADES OFF to
	AVOID starting, stopping or turning on slopes. If		learn controls and develop skills.
	machine stops going uphill or tires lose traction, turn
5.	blades OFF and back slowly straight down the slope.
	STAY ALERT for holes and other hidden hazards.
	Tall grass can hide obstacles. Keep away from
	ditches, washouts, culverts, fences and protruding
	objects.

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