SAFE MOWING GUIDE
bruises, or even put out an eye. Often the per- son hurt by a thrown object is a bystander such as a child, another family member or a neigh- bor. Keep people and pets completely away from the mowing area. Direct the mower’s dis- charge away from areas where people can be. Planning your mowing pattern has a double benefit. It can reduce chances of an injury and make the clean up after mowing easier.
Are there ditches, walls, or major in- 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.
Never mow slopes greater than 15 degrees. See the “Guide” in the back of this Instruction Book to check any slopes.
Ready to start cutting? Not yet. Be sure the mower has been fully assembled according to directions in the Instruction Book. Even if as- sembly was done by a lawn and garden shop or the store where the unit was purchased, it must be checked. Are all nuts, bolts and screws tight? Does the engine have oil? These items must be checked periodically throughout the life of the mower.
Your mower has a gasoline engine. Gas is dangerous. Store fuel only in a approved gas container. Do not store large amounts of gas. Put out all cigarettes, pipes and cigars before working with gasoline. Store fuel and the mow- er itself in a well ventilated area away from any possible source of ignition such a pilot light on 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 rules related to gasoline and fueling.
Never add gasoline to an engine that is running or that is hot from recent use, this can cause an accident. Remove dry grass and other debris from the mower. Keeping the mower clean will
improve the performance, help the engine stay cooler, extend the life of moving parts, and minimize the danger of fire. People get burned working with and around their mowers for oth- er reasons than fire and explosions. It takes only a few seconds of operation for the engine and the muffler to become hot. Do not touch these parts when the mower is running. Stop the engine and let it cool down before servicing the mower. Remember, exhaust fumes can be dangerous. Never operate the engine indoors or in an enclosed area.
Getting a new mower can be a big event for a family. Let family members satisfy their curios- ity about the mower and at the same time, tell them about its dangers. Remember, a mower is not a toy and is not for use by children or any- one lacking in age, strength or experience.
As with any power equipment, a mower can be dangerous if not assembled, misused, or not properly maintained. The most important rule is to always use good judgement and common sense.
Your mower will cut thick grass and heavy plant stems with ease. Fingers and toes are no more resistant to the mower’s blade. Many people are injured because they “forgot” and reached into the discharge chute. Always treat your lawn mower as if the blade is rotating. Never perform any service or try to make any adjustment,except carburetor, while the en- gine is running.
Use only accessories suited for your mower. Use of improper accessories can reduce the safety designed into both the mower and the accessory, it can even damage the unit. Read and follow the instructions which come with the accessory and the mower.
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