Section 1: Safety
15.Never operate mower in wet grass. Always be sure of your footing; keep a firm hold on the handle and walk; never run.
16.Disengage the Wheel Drive Lever on
17.If the unit should start to vibrate ab- normally, stop the engine and dis- connect the spark plug wire. Then check immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
18.Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields when oper- ating mower.
19.Watch for traffic when operating near, or when crossing roadways.
20.Never attempt to carry children or other passengers on the mower. They could fall off and be seriously injured, or they could interfere with the safe operation of the mower.
21.Check the operation of the Operator Presence Control Bar before each use. See the Maintenance Section of this manual for instructions. If the engine runs longer than three sec- onds after the Operator Presence Control Bar is released, the system is not working properly. Immediately contact your local service dealer or the factory Technical Service Department for instructions. Do not use the mower until the mechanism is repaired.
22.The mower is equipped with a safety discharge chute, comes with special mulcher covers, and offers an op- tional grass catcher. The safety dis- charge chute must be working prop- erly at all times. Never attempt to disconnect or otherwise cause this discharge chute to cease working. If used, mulcher cover or grass catcher attachment must be installed properly and function correctly. Do not use your equipment otherwise.
23.Never run the engine in an enclosed area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, a deadly gas that is odor- less, colorless, and tasteless. Always run the engine outdoors and make sure there is adequate ventilation.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to slip and 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 cau- tion when changing direction on slopes. Avoid slopes greater than 15o.
Remove objects such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
DO NOT:
Do not mow near
Do not mow excessively steep slopes.
Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced footing could cause slipping.
III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the opera- tor is not alert to the presence of chil- dren. Children are often attracted to the mower and to the mowing activity. Never assume that children 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 mower off if chil- dren enter the area.
3.Before and while moving backwards, look behind and down for small children.
4.Never allow children to operate the mower.
5.Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
IV. SERVICE
1.Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They are flammable and their vapors are explosive.
a)Use only an approved container.
b)Never remove gas cap or add fuel when the engine is running. Allow engine to cool before refu- eling. Do not smoke.
c)Never refuel the machine indoors.
d)Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an open flame, such as a water heater, etc.
e)Move mower away from any gasoline fumes before starting the engine.
2.Never run an engine inside a closed area.
3.Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running. Disconnect the spark plug wire and keep the wire away from the plug to prevent accidental starting.
4.Keep all nuts and bolts, especially the blade attachment bolts, tight and keep equipment in good condition.
5.Never tamper with safety devices. Check their operation regularly.
6.Keep mower free of grass, leaves or other debris
7.After striking an object, stop the en- gine and disconnect the spark plug wire. Inspect the mower and repair, if necessary, before restarting.
8.Never attempt to make mower cut- ting height adjustments while the engine is running.
9.Grass catcher components are sub- ject to wear, damage and deteriora- tion, which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and replace with factory recommended parts, when necessary.
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