i. GENERAL
OPERATION
• Read, understand,
and follow all
instructions
on the machine
and in the
manual(s)
before starting,
Be thoroughly
familiar
with the controls
and the proper
use of the machine
before starting,
° Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotating
parts. Keep clear of the dis-
charge
opening
at all times.
,, Only allow responsible
individuals,
who
are familiar with the instructions,
to
operate
the machine°
° Clear the area of objects
such as rocks,
toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc.
which
could be picked up and thrown
by the
blade.
° Be sure the area is clear of other people
before
mowing.
Stop machine
if anyone
enters the area.
• Do not operate
the mower when bare-
foot or wearing
open sandals.
Always
wear substantial
foot wear.
• Do not pull mower backwards
unless
absolutely
necessary.
Always
look down
and behind before and while moving
backwards.
.
Do not operate
the mower without
proper guards,
plates, grass catcher
or
other safety protective
devices
in place,
. 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 or 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
and walk; never
run.
° Disengage
the self-propelled
mech-
anism or drive clutch on mowers
so
equipped
before starting
the engine
(motor)_
• 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
and fall accidents
which can result in
severe injury., All slopes require extra cau-
tion. 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.
o Remove
obstacles
such as rocks, tree
limbs, etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumpsoTall
grass can hide obstacles.
DO NOT:
o Do not trim near drop-offs,
ditches
or
embankments_
The operator
could lose
footing or balance.
° Do not trim excessively
steep slopes.
° Do not mow on wet grass° Reduced
foot-
ing could cause slipping.
I!1. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents
can occur if the operator
is not alert to the presence
of children.
Children
are often attracted
to the machine
and the mowing activity. Never assume
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.
o Before and while walking
backwards,
look behind and down for small children.
° Never allow children
to operate
the ma-
chine.
° Use extra care when approaching
blind
corners,
shrubs,
trees, or other objects
that may obscure
vision.
IV. SERVICE
° Use extra care in handling
gasoline
and
other fuels. They are flammable
and
vapors are explosive.
-Use only an approved
container.
-Never remove
gas cap or add fuel
with the engine
running,
Allow engine to cool before refueling°
Do not smoker
- Never refuel the machine
indoors.
- Never store the machine
or fuel
container
inside where there is an
open flame, such as a water heater.
o Never run a machine
inside a closed area.
° Never make adjustments
or repairs
with
the engine (motor) running.Disconnect
the
spark plug wire, and keep the wire away
from the plug to prevent accidental
starting.
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