below before operating the machine.
TRAINING
A1. Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the controls and their proper use before using the equipment. Know how to stop the engine rapidly.
A2. Use the mower for the purpose it is intended for, that is mowing and collecting grass. Any other use could be dangerous or damage the equipment.
A3. Never allow children or people unfamiliar with these instructions to use the lawn mower. Local regulations may restrict the age of the operator.
A4. Never mow when: People, especially children or pets are nearby. User is under medication or has swallowed substances known to affect judgement or reactions.
A5. Keep in mind that the owner or user is responsible for accidents or hazards occurring to other people or their property.
PREPARATION
B1. While mowing, always wear substantial footwear and long trousers. Do not operate the equipment when barefoot or wearing sandals.
B2. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used and remove all objects which may be thrown by the machine (stones, branches, wires, bones, etc...).
B3. WARNING ! Petrol is highly flammable.
Store fuel in containers specifically designed for this purpose.
Refuel outdoors only, before starting the engine and do not smoke while refuelling or handling fuel.
Never remove the cap of the fuel tank or add petrol while the engine is running or when the engine is hot.
If petrol is spilled, do not attempt to start the engine but move the machine away from the area of spillage and avoid creating any source of ignition until petrol vapours have dissipated.
Replace all fuel tanks and container caps securely.
Before tipping the lawn mower to maintain the blade or drain oil, remove fuel from tank.
B4. Replace faulty silencers.
B5. Before use, always visually inspect the machine, especially to see that the blades, blade screws and cutter assembly are not worn or damaged. Replace worn or damaged blades and screws in sets to preserve balance.
OPERATION
C1. Do not operate the engine in a confined space where dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.
C2. Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
C3. Avoid operating the equipment in wet grass, where feasible.
C4. While mowing, always keep the safety distance to the blade, which is provided by the handle length.
C5. Walk, never run. Do not let yourself be pulled by the mower.
C6. Always be sure of your footing on slopes. Mow across the face of slopes, never up and down.
C7. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
C8. Do not mow slopes of more than 20°.
C9. Use extreme caution when pulling the lawn mower towards you.
C10. Stop the blade if the lawn mower has to be tilted for transportation when crossing surfaces other than grass, and when transporting the lawn mower to and from the area to be mowed.
C11. Never operate the lawn mower with defective guards or housings, or without safety devices such as deflectors and/or grass catchers.
C12. Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed the engine.
C13. Disengage all blade and drive clutches before starting the engine.
C14. Start the engine carefully according to instructions and with feet well away from the blade.
C15. Do not tilt the lawn mower when starting the engine. Start the mower on a level surface, free of high grass or obstacles.
C16. Keep hands and feet away from the rotating parts. Do not start the engine when standing in front of the discharge opening.
C17. Never pick up or carry a lawn mower while the engine is running.
C18. Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug cap in the following cases: Before any operation under the cutter housing or the discharge tunnel Before checking, cleaning or working on the lawn mower.
After striking a foreign object. Inspect the lawn mower for damage and make repairs before restarting and operating the lawn mower again.
If lawn mower starts to vibrate abnormally, check immediately the cause of the vibration and perform the necessary repair.
C19. Stop the engine in the following cases: Whenever you leave the lawn mower unattended. Before refuelling.
C20. Close the fuel shut-off valve by turning the fuel shut-off valve.
MAINTENANCE, STORAGE AND TRANSPORT
D1. Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition. Regular maintenance is an essential aid to user's safety and retaining a high level of performance.
D2. Never store the equipment with petrol in the tank inside a building when vapours may reach an open flame, spark or high temperature source.
D3. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.
D4. To reduce the fire hazard, keep the mower, especially the engine and silencer, the petrol storage area as well, free of grass, leaves, or excessive grease. Do not leave containers of vegetable matters in or near a building.
D5. If the fuel tank has to be drained, this should be done outdoors, with a cold engine.
D6. Check the grass collecting system frequently for wear or deterioration.
D7. Do not use the machine with worn or damaged parts. Parts must be replaced, not repaired. Replace worn or damaged parts with Honda genuine parts. Blades must always bear the mark Honda and the reference number. Non equivalent quality parts may damage the machine and be prejudicial to your safety.
D8. Wear thick gloves when removing or installing the blade, or when cleaning the cutter housing. When tightening or loosening the blade screws, use a wooden block to prevent the blade from rotating.
D9. Always make sure the correct balance of the blade when sharpening.
D10. It is advisable to use a loading platform or to seek the help of another person when loading or unloading the mower.
When the mower is transported, make sure that it is in the horizontal position, close the fuel shutoff cock, disconnect the spark plug and secure the appliance with straps.
