engine manufacturer in accordance with SAE J1940. As configured to meet safety, emission, and operating requirements, the actual engine horsepower on this class of lawn mower will be significantly lower.
Do not tamper with the engine controls or alter the governor speed; doing so may create an unsafe condition resulting in personal injury.
Safety
This machine meets or exceeds the CPSC blade safety requirements for
Read and understand the contents of this manual before you start the engine.
The safety alert symbol (Figure 2) is used to alert you to potential personal injury hazards. Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury or death. Improperly using or maintaining this machine could result in injury or death. To reduce this potential, comply with the following safety instructions.
The following instructions have been adapted from the ANSI/OPEI standard
This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and of throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.
General Operation
•Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the manual(s) before starting.
•Do not put hands or feet near or under the machine. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.
•Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the instructions, to operate the machine.
•Clear the area of objects such as rocks, wire, toys, etc., which could be thrown by the blades. Stay behind the handle when the engine is running.
•Be sure that the area is clear of bystanders before operating. Stop the machine if anyone enters the area.
•Do not operate the machine barefooted or while wearing sandals. Always wear substantial footwear.
•Do not pull the machine backward unless it is absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while moving backward.
•Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction. Material may ricochet back toward the operator. Stop the blades when crossing gravel surfaces.
•Do not operate the machine without the entire grass catcher, discharge guard, rear guard, or other safety protective devices in place and working.
•Never leave a running machine unattended.
•Stop the engine and wait until the blades come to a complete stop before cleaning the machine, removing the grass catcher, or unclogging the discharge guard.
•Operate the machine only in daylight or good artificial light.
•Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
•Never operate the machine in wet grass. Always be sure of your footing. Walk, never run.
•Disengage the drive system, if so equipped, before starting the engine.
•If the machine should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine and check for the cause immediately. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
•Always wear eye protection when operating the machine.
•Lightning can cause severe injury or death. If you see lightning or hear thunder in the area, do not operate the machine; seek shelter.
•See manufacturer's instructions for proper operation and installation of accessories. Only use accessories approved by the manufacturer.
Slope Operation
Slopes are a major factor related to
•Mow across the face of slopes; never up and down. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
•Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could cause a
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