Murray F-98526, 22506x9A manual Safe Operation Practices for Walk-BehindMowers

IMPORTANT

Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Mowers.

This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to ob- serve the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.

I.	General Operation	tion which can cause drowsiness or affect
		your ability to operate this machine safely.
. Read, understand, and follow all instruc-
		15. Never operate mower in wet grass. Always
	tions on the machine and in the manual(s).
		be sure of your footing; keep a firm hold on
	Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and
		the handle and walk; never run.
	the proper use of the mower before starting.
		16. Disengage the self-propelled mechanism
2.	Do not put hands or feet near or under rotat-
		or drive clutch on mowers so equipped be-
	ing parts. Keep clear of the discharge open-
		fore starting the engine (motor).
	ing at all times.	17. If the equipment should start to vibrate ab-
3.	Only allow responsible individuals, who are	normally, stop the engine (motor) and check
	familiar with the instructions, to operate the	immediately for the cause. Vibration is gen-
	mower.	erally a warning of trouble such as a blade
4. Thoroughly inspect the mower and area		that is damaged, a loose blade, or the en-
		gine mounting bolts are loose.
	where the equipment is to be used. Clear
		18. Always wear safety goggles or safety
	the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire,
		glasses with side shields when operating
	bones, sticks etc., which could be picked up
		mower to protectyour eyes from foreignob-
	and thrown by the blade.
		jects which can be thrown from the unit.
5.	Be sure the area is clear of other people be-
		19. Plan your mowing pattern to avoid dis-

fore mowing. Stop mower if anyone enters

the area.

charge of matedal toward roads, sidewalks,

bystanders and the like.

6.Do not operate the mower when barefoot or 20. After striking a foreign object, stop the en-

wearing open sandals. Always wear			sub-		gine. Remove the wire from the spark plug.
stantial foot wear.					Inspect the blade and mower for damage. If
7. Do not pull mower backwards unless abso-					damaged, repair before starting and operat-
					ing the mower.
lutely necessary. Look down and behind be-
				21.	Keep	any washout ports and other mower
fore and while moving backwards.
8. Do not operate the mower without proper					housing service openings dosed when
					mowing.
guards, plates, grass catcher or other safety
protective		devices in place.		II.	Slope	Operation
9. See manufacturer's instructions for proper				Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall
				accidents which can result in severe injury. All
operation and installation of accessories.
				slopes require extra caution. If you feel uneasy
Only use accessories approved by the
				on a slope, do not mow it.
manufacturer.
				DO:
10. Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel					Mow across the face of slopes; never up
drives, walks, or roads.
					and down. Do not mow excessively steep
11. Stop	the	engine (motor) whenever	you		slopes (maximum 15 degrees) or areas
leave	the	equipment, before cleaning the			where the ground is very rough. See the
mower or unclogging the chute.					"Guide" in the back of this manual to check
					a slope. Exercise extreme caution when
12. Shut the engine (motor)off and wait until the
					changing direction on slopes.
blade comes to complete stop before re-
					Remove objects such as rocks, tree limbs,
moving grass catcher.
					etc.
13. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.					Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall grass
14. Do not operate the mower while under the					can hide obstacles.
influence		of alcohol, drugs or other medica-		4	(Continued Following Page)
F-98526