Safe Operation
Practices
for Pedestrian-Controlled
Rotary Lawnmowers
IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects.
Failure to observe the following safety instructionscoutd result in serious injury or death.
I.
Training
• Read the instructions carefuny. Be familiar with the
controls and the proper use of the equipment.
• Never allow children or people unfamiliar with the
instructionsto usa the lawnmower. Local regulations
may restrict the age of the operator.
• Never mow while people, especially children, or pets
are nearby.
• Keep in mind that the operator or user is responsible
for accidents or hazards occurring to other people or
their property.
II.
Preparation
• While mowing, always wear substantialfootwear and
long trousers. Do not operate the equipment when
barefoot or wearing open sandals.
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment isto
be used and remove all objects which may be thrown
by the machine.
• WARNING - Petrol is highlyflammable.
- Store fuel incontainers specificallydesigned for this
purpose.
- Refuel outdoors only and do not smoke while rafu-
eling.
- Add fuel before starting the engine. Never remove
the cap ofthe fuel tank or add petrol whilethe engine
is running or when the engine is hot.
- If petrol is spilled, do not attempt to start the engine
but move the machine away from the area ofspillage
and avoid creating any source of ignition until petrol
vapors have dissipated.
-Replace
all fuel tanks and container caps se-
curely.
•
Replace faulty silencers.
•
Before using, always visually inspect to see that the
blades, blade bolts and cutter assembly are not worn
or damaged. Replace worn or damaged blades and
bolts in sets to preserve balance.
• On multi-bladed machines, take care as rotating one
blade can cause other blades to rotate.
III. Operation
•
Do not operate the engine in a confined space where
dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.
•
Mow only in daylight or in goecl artificial light.
Avoid operating the equipment in wet grass, where
feasible.
• Always be sure of your footing on slopes.
• Walk, never run.
For wheeled rotary machines, mow across the face of
slopes, never up and down.
•
Exercise extreme caution when changingdirection on
slopes.
Do not mow excessively steep slopes.
•
Use extreme caution when reversing or pulling the
lawnmower towards you.
• Stop the blade if the lawnmower has to be tilted for
transportationwhencrossingsurfacesotherthan grass,
and when transportingthe lawnmower to and from the
area to be mowed.
• Neveroperate the lawnmowerwifh defectiveguarcls,or
without safety devices, for example deflectors and/or
grass catchers, in place.
• Do not change the engine governor settings or over-
speed the engine. Operating the engine at excessive
speed may increase the hazard of personal injury.
• Disengage all blade and drive clutches before starting
the engine.
• Start the engine or switch on the motor carefully ac-
cording to instructions and with feet well away from
the blade.
• Do not tilt the lawnmower when starting the engine or
switching on the motor, except if the lawnmower has
to be tired for starting. In this case, do not tilt more
than absolutely necessary and lift only the part which
is away from the operator.
Do not start the engine when standing in front of the
discharge chute.
• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.
Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.
Never pick up or carry lawnmower while the engine is
running.
• Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire:
- before cleaning blockages or unclogging chute;
- before checking, cleaning or working on the lawn-
mower;
- afterstrikinga foreign object. Inspect the lawnmower
for damage and make repairs before restarting and
operating the lawnmower;
- if the lawnmower starts to vibrateabnormally (check
immediately).
•
Stop the engine:
- whenever you leeve the lawnmower;
- before refuelling.
Reduce the throttle setting during engine shut down
and, if the engine is provided with a shut-offvalve, turn
the fuel off at the conclusionof mowing.
•
Go slow when using a trailing seat.
IV. Maintenance
and Storage
•
Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
•
Neverstore the equipment with petrolin the tankinside
a building where fumes may reach an open flame or
spark.
• Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclo-
sure.
• To reduce the fire hazard, keep the engine, silencer,
battery compartment and petrel storage area free of
grass, leaves, or excessive grease.
•
Check the grass catcher frequently for wear or dete-
rioration.
•
Replace worn or damaged parts for safety.
•
If the fuel tank has to be drained, this shouldbe done
outdoors.
