•See manufacturer’s instructions for proper operation and installation of accessories. Only use accessories ap- proved by the manufacturer.
•Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads.
•Stop the engine (motor) whenever you leave the equipment, before cleaning the mower or unclogging the chute.
•Shut the engine (motor) off and wait until the blade comes to complete stop before removing grass catcher.
•Mow only in daylight / good artificial light.
•Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
•Never operate machine in wet grass. Always be sure of your footing: keep a firm hold on the handle; walk, never run.
•Disengage the
•If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine (motor) and check immediately for the cause. Vibra- tion is generally a warning of trouble.
•Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields when oper- ating mower.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to slip & fall accidents which can result in severe injury. All slopes require extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.
DO:
•Mow across the face of slopes: never up and down. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
•Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
•Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
DO NOT:
•Do not trim near
•Do not trim excessively steep slopes.
•Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced footing could cause slipping.
III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the ma- chine and the mowing activity. Never as- sume that children will remain where you last saw them.
•Keep children out of the trimming area and under the watchful care of another responsible adult.
•Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.
•Before and while walking backwards, look behind and down for small children.
•Never allow children to operate the machine.
•Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
IV. SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE
Use extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.
•Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of ignition.
•Use only an approved container.
•Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow engine to cool before refueling.
•Never refuel the machine indoors.
•Never store the machine or fuel contain- er where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light such as a water heater or on other appliances.
•Never fill containers inside a vehicle, on a truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place containers on the ground away from your vehicle before filling.
•Remove
•Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or container opening at all times until fueling is complete. Do not use a nozzle
•If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately.
•Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas cap and tighten securely.
V. GENERAL SERVICE
•Never run machine inside a closed area.
•Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine (motor) running. Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keep wire away from plug to prevent accidental starting.
•Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight and keep equip- ment in good condition.
•Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.
•Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris
•Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object. Repair, if necessary,
4before restarting.