GENERAL SAFETY RULES
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection should be provided on the circuit(s) or outlet(s) to be used for the lawn mower. Receptacles are available having built- in GFCI protection and may be used for this measure of safety.
Inspect extension cords periodically and replace if damaged. Keep handles dry, clean, and free from oil or grease.
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES
Do not operate the mower without the entire grass catch- er, discharge guard, rear guard, or other safety protective devices in place and working.
Follow manufacturer’s instructions for proper operation and installation of accessories. Only use accessories approved by the manufacturer.
Clear the work area before each use. Remove all objects such as rocks, sticks, wire, bones, toys, or other objects which can be thrown by the blade. Stay behind the handle when the motor is running.
Avoid holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could cause a slip and fall accident.
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.
Mow across the face of slopes, never up and down. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of material toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders, and the like. Also, avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction, which may cause the material to ricochet back toward the operator.
Do not mow on wet grass or excessively steep slopes. Poor footing could cause a slip and fall accident. Walk, never run.
Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may block your view.
Do not pull the mower backward unless absolutely nec- essary. If you must back the mower away from a wall or obstruction, first look down and behind to avoid trip- ping.
Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction. Material may ricochet back toward the operator. Stop the blade when crossing gravel surfaces.
Objects struck by the lawn mower blade can cause severe injuries to persons. The lawn should always be carefully examined and cleared of all objects prior to each mowing.
If the lawn mower strikes a foreign object, follow these steps:
•Stop the lawn mower and release the switch control lever.
•Disconnect the power cord.
•Thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage.
•Repair any damage before restarting and continuing to operate the mower.
Stop the motor, disconnect the power cord, and wait until the blade comes to a complete stop before removing the grass catcher or unclogging the chute. The cutting blade continues to rotate for a few seconds after the motor is shut off. Never place any part of the body in the blade area until you are sure the blade has stopped rotating.
Disconnect the plug from power source before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing the lawn mower. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the product accidentally.
If the mower should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the motor and check immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
Service on the product must be performed by qualified repair personnel only. Service or maintenance performed by unqualified personnel could result in injury to the user or damage to the product.
Use only identical replacement parts when servicing the product. Use of unauthorized parts may create a risk of serious injury to the user, or damage to the product.
If the power supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced only by the manufacturer or by an authorized service center to avoid risk.
Save these instructions. Refer to them frequently and use them to instruct others who may use this product. If you loan someone this tool, loan them these instructions also.
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