SAFE MOWING GUIDE
Every person who uses power equipment must learn the difference between proper and improper use, safe and unsafe mowing prac- tices. Read the next few pages carefully. They can help you learn. Too often the mow- er user is inexperienced, not properly in- structed, or has not read the Instruction Book and instructions on the unit before using it for the first time. This can result in unsafe use en- dangering the operator, bystanders, and the equipment. Another result can be a poor ap- pearance of the area mowed.
Read this Instruction Book. Read the in- structions on the unit. Operate the mower ac- cording to the Safe Mowing Guide and other safety rules and recommendations in this In- struction Book and on the unit. Make sure any- one who uses the unit has read the instructions and has been told how to operate the mower safely.
Your mower is designed to provide good ser- vice and durability in normal residential cut- ting. If the mower is not properly serviced and maintained or used on unsuitable terrain or in conditions not suitable for mowing, product performance and safety will be reduced.
Proper attire is an important part of safe mow- ing. Safety glasses protect the eyes from thrown objects. Safety shoes with steel toes can protect a foot from being cut by the blade. Shirts and pants that cover the arms and legs can stop or deflect a thrown object.
Practice using the mower before you actually begin cutting grass. Select a large open level area. Learn the location and function of the controls and how they work. It is important that the blade can be stopped quickly in an emer-
gency. Learn how to cut and how to keep con- trol of the mower at all times.
Many mowers are started manually. When us- ing a pull start or rope start, place your feet firmly and away from the blade. Hold the rope handle securely, but never wrap the rope around your arm or fingers for a “better grip”. The mower is designed for use by one person. Always mow alone. Never carry passengers. Carrying a passenger is dangerous for the passenger and the operator. A mower is not for amusement or for carrying objects.
Is the area you are planning to mow wet? Nev- er cut a wet lawn. Cutting wet grass can cause an accident. It can affect mower performance and also cause problems with future lawn growth and appearance. Wet grass is slippery and might cause the operator to fall or the mower to slip. Someone could be hurt by touching the blade. Wet grass tends to clog the mower, causing poor discharge. Wet clippings bunch up on the lawn retarding the growth of grass. A wet mower can cause parts to rust and reduce the useful life of the unit.
When you look over the lawn, refresh your memory about hard, immovable obstacles such as pipes, stumps, and rocks and avoid them. They can cause damage to the mower or an accident injuring the operator or a by- stander. Take a litter bag along and walk over the area to be cut. Pick up any stones, toys, wire, bones, or other loose objects. These items can damage the mower or they can be- come dangerous flying objects if the mower blade hits them. The blade of a power mower travels very fast. It can throw rocks and other objects with force over long distances. Objects thrown by mowers can break windows, cause
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