•
Keep the nozzle
in contact
with the rim
of the fuel tank or container
opening
at
all times
until fueling
is complete,
Do not
use a nozzle
lock-open
device,
If fuel is spilled
on clothing,
change
cloth-
ing immediately,
Never overfill fuel tank,
Replace
gas cap
and tighten
securely,
GENERAL
SERVICE
,
Never
operate
machine
in a closed
area.
,
Keep all nuts and bolts tight to be sure the
equipment
is in safe working
condition.
•
Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.
Check
their
proper
operation
regularly.
,
Keep
machine
free of grass,
leaves,
or
other
debris
build-up.
Clean
oil or fuel
spillage
and remove
any fuel-soaked
de-
bris. Allow machine
to cool before storing.
If you strike
a foreign
object,
stop
and
inspect the machine.
Repair, if necessary,
before
restarting.
•
Never
make
any adjustments
or repairs
with the engine
running.
Check grass catcher
components
and the
discharge
guard frequently
and replace
with manufacturer's
recommended
parts,
when
necessary.
•
Mower
blades aresharp.
Wrapthe
blade
or wear
gloves,
and use extra
caution
when
servicing
them.
•
Checkbrakeoperationfrequently.
Adjust
and service
as required.
Maintain
or replace
safety and instruction
labels,
as necessary.
•
Be sure
the area is clear
of bystanders
before operating.
Stop machine
if anyone
enters
the area.
,
Never
carry passengers.
,
Do not mow in reverse
unless absolutely
necessary.
Always
look down and behind
before
and while
backing.
,
Never
carry
children,
even
with
the
blades
shut off.
They
may fall off and
be seriously
injured
or interfere
with
safe
machine
operation.
Children
who
have
been given
rides
in the past may
suddenly
appear
in the mowing
area for
another
ride and be run over or backed
over by the machine.
,
Keep
children
out of the mowing
area
and in the watchful
care of a responsible
adult
other than the operator.
,
Be alert
and turn machine
off if a child
enters
the area.
Before
and while
backing,
look
behind
and down for small
children.
Mow up and down slopes
(15 ° Max), not
across.
Choose
a low ground
speed
so that you
will not have to stop or shift while on the
slope.
Avoid
starting,
stopping,
or turning
on a
slope.
Ifthetires
Iosetraction,
disengage
the blades
and proceed
slowly
straight
down
the slope.
If machine
stops
while
going
uphill,
dis-
engage
blades,
shift
into
reverse
and
back down
slowly.
Do not turn on slopes
unless
necessary,
and then, turn slowly and gradually
down-
hill, if possible.
5