SAFETY
WARNING
Failure to comply with the following instruc- tions may result in serious injury to the op- erator or other persons. The owner must understand these instructions, and must allow only persons who understand these instructions to operate the mower. Each person operating the mower must be of sound mind and body and must not be un- der the influence of any mind altering sub- stance.
TRAINING:
1.Read this manual carefully and question your dealer if something is not clear.
2.Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and proper use of the equipment.
3.Never allow children, teenagers, or people un- familiar with these instructions to use the mower.
4.Do not mow while people, particularly children, or pets are nearby.
PREPARATION:
1.The use of personal protective equipment such as (but not limited to) protection for the eyes, ears, feet and head is recommended.
2.Never operate the mower without proper guards, covers, safety switches and devices in place and properly functioning. Inspect these items daily for their condition and proper operation. If the condition or operation of any of these devices is questionable they must be replaced or repaired before using the mower.
3.Thoroughly inspect the area to be mowed and remove all stones, sticks, wire and other de- bris that may be thrown by the mower. Also note or mark other obstacles such as holes, stumps, etc..
4.Do not operate the mower when barefoot or wearing open shoes. Always wear substantial footwear and long pants.
5.Fill gas tank before starting mower. DO NOT SMOKE near gasoline containers. Do not fill gas tank indoors or when engine is hot or run- ning. Clean off any spilled gasoline before start- ing the mower.
6.Never attempt to make any adjustments (even the smallest) when engine is running.
7.Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
8.Never operate mower in wet grass. Always be sure of your footing; keep a firm grip on the handle and walk, never run.
OPERATION:
1.Do not change engine governor settings or over speed the engine.
2.Keep hands, feet, and clothing away from rotating parts when operating mower.
3.Disengage blade drive when crossing gravel drives, walks, roads or under any condition where thrown objects might be a hazard.
4.After striking a foreign object or if mower vibrates abnormally, stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug. Inspect the mower for any damage and repair the damage.
5.Stop the engine and wait for the blades to stop rotating whenever you leave the operating position for any reason, including emptying the grass catcher or making any adjustments or repairs.
6.Mow across slopes, never up and down. Use caution when changing direction on slopes. Always turn uphill. Do not mow very steep slopes. Do not use sulky on any slopes.
7.When parking mower, stop engine and lock the drive levers up in the thumb latches. Apply park brake to prevent rolling. Never park mower on a slope.
8.NEVER OPERATE THIS EQUIPMENT, WITH ENGINE RUNNING, IN AN ENCLOSED OR CONFINED AREA WITHOUT PROPER VENTILATION OF THE ENGINE EXHAUST.
MAINTENANCE:
1.Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to keep mower in safe operating condition.
2.Never store the mower with gas in the tank inside a building where fumes can reach an open flame or spark. Allow engine to cool before storing in an enclosure.
3.To reduce fire hazard, keep mower free of grass, leaves, or excessive grease.
4.Check grass catcher assembly frequently for wear or deterioration. Replace bag if loose seams or tears are evident.
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