equipment and other property.
If you add gasoline to an engine that is running or hot, the result can be an explosion. Before you add gasoline, stop the engine and let the engine cool for several seconds. Remove dry grass and other debris from the mower. Keep the mower clean to improve the performance, help the engine and transmission run cooler, extend the life of moving parts, and decrease the danger of a fire.
Fires and explosions are not the only dangers when working around a mower. The engine, transmission, and the muffler will get hot in sev- eral minutes when the engine is running. Do not touch these parts of the mower. Stop the engine. Let the engine and transmission cool before servicing the mower. Remember, exhaust fumes are dangerous. Never operate the engine inside a building.
When you get a new mower, it can be a new experience for the family. Tell each person how a mower can be dangerous. Remember, a mower is not a toy. A mower is not to be used by chil- dren or anyone not old enough, strong enough or that does not have experience.
If the mower is not correctly assembled, not op- erated correctly, or not regularly serviced, the mower can be dangerous. The most important rule to follow is always use good judgement and common sense. Mow safely and carefully.
Your mower will easily cut thick grass. Fingers, feet and other parts can also be cut by the blade. Injuries occur when the operator does not think and reaches into the chute opening. Al- ways operate the mower as if the blade is rotat- ing. Do not service or make an adjustment, except to the carburetor, while the engine is run- ning.
Use only accessories that are factory approved for your mower. The wrong accessory can de- crease the safety of the mower and can even damage the unit. Read and follow the instruc- tions included with the accessory and the mow- er.
Use only original equipment or replacement parts that are factory approved for service. If you
need service, select an Authorized Service Cen- ter for your mower. If you do the work on the unit, follow the instructions in the Instruction Book.
When you mow, remember that children are at- tracted to the mower. Always use caution when mowing around obstacles like trees or shrubs or when moving backward. Only mow in a forward direction if possible. Your visibility is decreased when you mow backward. Also, the blades are made to cut while the unit is moving forward. If you mow backward, the cutting performance decreases.
Before you leave the mower, stop the engine. Remove the key. Disengage and lower any at- tachment. Set the parking brake. Never mount or dismount from the seat while the engine is running. An accident can occur if you touch the brake, speed control pedal, throttle, or blade control while the engine is running. Mount and dismount from the seat on the side of the unit that is marked
Make sure you are in good condition when you mow. When you mow for several hours your re- flexes will decrease and your mind will not be as alert. Take a short break or an accident can oc- cur. If the temperature is hot, use caution to pre- vent dehydration. If you are tired, angry or not completely alert, do not operate the mower. If you use alcohol, medication or drugs, do not use the mower or any type of power equipment.
Engine speed is a key to safe mowing and to a good looking lawn. The maximum speed of the engine was set at the factory. Do not change the setting of the engine governor.
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Select the maximum engine and ground speed that is right for the terrain and the height of the grass. The blade cuts best when the engine is operating at maximum speed. The engine and transmission will also run cooler at maximum engine speed. Also, the grass bagger will func- tion better when the engine is operating at maxi- mum speed. On slopes, decrease the ground speed and use care making sure the mower feels safe to operate.
If the weather conditions are bad, do not mow. If weather conditions become bad, stop cutting and finish later. It is dangerous to cut grass in the rain. Always find protection in an electrical storm. If the weather conditions are extra dry, protect your eyes with safety glasses from the dust and from the objects discharged by the mower. Also, a dust or a pollen mask can help.
Your mower is equipped with a number of safety devices which are important to the safety of the operator and bystanders and must never be changed or removed from the mower. If a safety device is lost, damaged or no longer functions, repair or replace the device before you operate the mower.
It is best to mow during the day. If you must mow at night, make sure there is enough light for safe operation.
Your mower will require regular maintenance and service. The maintenance schedule de- pends on the hours of use. Also, mowing condi- tions can change the schedule. Check the Instruction Book for more information. Correct maintenance will help the mower function safely.
Do not service the mower (except for the carburetor adjustment) while the en- gine is running. Before you
service the unit, even with 
the engine stopped, always 
disconnect the wire from the
spark plug to prevent the engine from starting.
If you hit a large object during operation, stop the engine. Remove the wire from the spark plug. Carefully inspect the mower for damage. Before you start the engine again, make the necessary repairs. If you feel new or excessive vibration, immediately stop the engine and check for the problem. Vibration can be a warn- ing of a problem. Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight.
The blade is the most dangerous part of the mower. Frequently check the blade and the blade mounting fasteners. Keep the fasteners tight. If the blade hits a solid object, stop the en- gine. Remove the wire from the spark plug. Check for a blade that is bent, cracked or for other damages. Before you start the engine, re- place a damaged blade(s). For safety, replace
