Murray 20-inch Push Bruises, or even put out an eye. Often the per, Are there ditches, Sense

SAFE MOWING GUIDE

bruises, or even put out an eye. Often the per-		improve the performance, help the engine stay
son hurt by a thrown object is a bystander such		cooler, extend the life of moving parts, and
as a child, another family member or a neigh-		minimize the danger of fire. People get burned
bor. Keep people and pets completely away		working with and around their mowers for oth-
from the mowing area. Direct the mower’s dis-		er reasons than fire and explosions. It takes
charge away from areas where people can be.		only a few seconds of operation for the engine
Planning your mowing pattern has a double		and the muffler to become hot. Do not touch
benefit. It can reduce chances of an injury and		these parts when the mower is running. Stop
make the clean up after mowing easier.		the engine and let it cool down before servicing
Are there ditches,		the mower. Remember, exhaust fumes can be
walls, or major in-		dangerous. Never operate the engine indoors
		or in an enclosed area.
clines in the area to be
cut? Plan the mowing
pattern to avoid such
danger	areas. In-
clines and rough ter-
rain must be mowed
carefully	and some

areas must not be cut with a mower at all. With walk behind

equipment, mow across the incline so that if you or the mow- er slip, you won’t run

into each other.	Getting a new mower can be a big event for a
Never mow slopes greater than 15 degrees.	family. Let family members satisfy their curios-
See the “Guide” in the back of this Instruction	ity about the mower and at the same time, tell
Book to check any slopes.	them about its dangers. Remember, a mower
Ready to start cutting? Not yet. Be sure the	is not a toy and is not for use by children or any-
	one lacking in age, strength or experience.
mower has been fully assembled according to
	As with any power equipment, a mower can be
directions in the Instruction Book. Even if as-
sembly was done by a lawn and garden shop	dangerous if not assembled, misused, or not
or the store where the unit was purchased, it	properly maintained. The most important rule
must be checked. Are all nuts, bolts and	is to always use good judgement and common
screws tight? Does the engine have oil? These	sense.
items must be checked periodically throughout	Your mower will cut thick grass and heavy
the life of the mower.	plant stems with ease. Fingers and toes are no
Your mower has a gasoline engine. Gas is	more resistant to the mower’s blade. Many
dangerous. Store fuel only in a approved gas	people are injured because they “forgot” and
container. Do not store large amounts of gas.	reached into the discharge chute. Always treat
Put out all cigarettes, pipes and cigars before	your lawn mower as if the blade is rotating.
working with gasoline. Store fuel and the mow-	Never perform any service or try to make any
er itself in a well ventilated area away from any	adjustment,except carburetor, while the en-
possible source of ignition such a pilot light on	gine is running.
a furnace. If the mower is to be stored for an ex-
tended time, remove the gas from the tank.
This minimizes the chance of a fire and keeps
the tank clear of deposits and old gasoline,
thus improving mower performance. Move the
mower outside before adding gasoline. Use a
funnel and wipe up any spilled fuel before start-
ing. Remember, gasoline expands when
heated so leave some expansion room. Also,
most mower gas caps are vented to allow for
expansion. Always use the proper cap. People
are needlessly burned by fires, hurt in explo-
sions, mowers and other property are dam-
aged because of failure to follow basic safety	Use only accessories suited for your mower.
rules related to gasoline and fueling.	Use of improper accessories can reduce the
Never add gasoline to an engine that is running	safety designed into both the mower and the
or that is hot from recent use, this can cause an	accessory, it can even damage the unit. Read
accident. Remove dry grass and other debris	and follow the instructions which come with the
from the mower. Keeping the mower clean will	accessory and the mower.
F-050401L	7