Section 1: Safety
20.Always wear approved safety gog- gles or safety glasses with side shields when operating equipment. The use of any powered machine can result in for- eign objects being thrown by high- speed rotating parts which can cause personal injury or property damage. Stay away from glass and other easily thrown or breakable objects.
21.Wear work gloves and sturdy footwear when using this equipment. Leather work shoes or short boots are ideal. They protect ankles and shins from rocks, pebbles, splinters, etc.
22.It is advisable to wear protective headgear to prevent the possibility of being hit by small flying particles, etc.
23.Before each use, inspect the throt- tle control lever and cable (if so equipped). Make sure the cable is free and the lever functions properly.
24.Watch for traffic when near or when crossing roadways.
25.Never attempt to carry children or other passengers on the equipment. They could fall off and be seriously in- jured, or they could interfere with safe operation of the equipment.
26.The mower is equipped with a plastic debris shield in front of the en- gine and a rubber debris flap under the frame. They must be in place and working properly. Never remove or cause the debris shield or debris flap to cease working. If either of these parts is missing or not working properly, do not use the equipment until this situa- tion is corrected.
27.Be aware of where the trimmer/ mower is discharging materials and do not point the discharge at anyone.
28.Never run the engine in an en- closed area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, a deadly gas that is odorless, colorless and tasteless. Always run the engine outdoors where there is adequate ventilation.
29.Slow down before turning.
30.Shut off engine when not trimming or mowing.
31.Use extra care when loading or un- loading machine into a trailer or truck.
32.Use this equipment for its intended purpose only.
33.Always make sure the handlebars are tight and comfortably positioned.
They should never be in an awkward position for the operator.
II. Slope Operation
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and
DO:
Mow across the face of slopes; never up and down. Exercise extreme cau- tion when changing direction on
slopes. Avoid slopes greater than 15o.
Remove objects such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
Use slow speed.
Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. These can change the stability of the machine. Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual.
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope.
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DO NOT:
Do not mow near
Do not mow on very steep slopes.
Do not mow on wet grass. Slippery footing can be hazardous.
III. Children
Tragic accidents can occur if the op- erator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the trimmer/ mower and the mow- ing activity. Never assume that chil- dren will remain where you last saw them.
1.Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of a responsible adult.
2.Be alert and turn trimmer/mower off if children enter the area.
3.Before and while moving back- wards, look behind and down for small children.
4.Never allow children to operate the mower.
5.Use extra care near blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
6.Never carry children, even with the trimmer head stopped. Children may fall off and be seriously in- jured or interfere with safe ma- chine operation.
7.Do not allow children nearby if you are working.
IV. Service
1.Use extra care in handling gaso- line and other fuels. They are flammable and their vapors are ex- plosive. To help prevent a fire or explosion:
a)Use only an approved con- tainer.
b)Never remove gas cap or add fuel when the engine is run- ning. Let engine cool before re- fueling. Do not smoke.
c)Never refuel the machine in- doors. Fill the fuel tank out- doors and with extreme care.
d)Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an open flame, such as a water heater, etc.
e)Replace caps on the fuel tank and fuel container and clean up spilled fuel before starting engine. Move machine away from any gasoline fumes be- fore starting the engine.
f)Keep matches, smoking ma- terials, open flames, and sparks away from the fuel tank and fuel container.
g)Leave 1/2" air space at the top of the fuel tank to allow for fuel expansion.
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