Basco 385002 78B Series, Instruction Book

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en
8
7102000
equipment and other property.
If you add gasoline to an engine that is running
or hot, the result can be an explosion. Before
you add gasoline, stop the engine and let the
engine cool for several seconds. Remove dry
grass and other debris from the mower. Keep
the mower clean to improve the performance,
help the engine and transmission run cooler,
extend the life of moving parts, and decrease
the danger of a fire.
Fires and explosions are not the only dangers
when working around a mower. The engine,
transmission, and the muffler will get hot in sev-
eral minutes when the engine is running. Do not
touch these parts of the mower. Stop the engine.
Let the engine and transmission cool before
servicing the mower. Remember, exhaust fumes
are dangerous. Never operate the engine inside
a building.
When you get a new mower, it can be a new
experience for the family. Tell each person how a
mower can be dangerous. Remember, a mower
is not a toy. A mower is not to be used by chil-
dren or anyone not old enough, strong enough
or that does not have experience.
If the mower is not correctly assembled, not op-
erated correctly, or not regularly serviced, the
mower can be dangerous. The most important
rule to follow is always use good judgement and
common sense. Mow safely and carefully.
Your mower will easily cut thick grass. Fingers,
feet and other parts can also be cut by the
blade. Injuries occur when the operator does not
think and reaches into the chute opening. Al-
ways operate the mower as if the blade is rotat-
ing. Do not service or make an adjustment,
except to the carburetor, while the engine is run-
ning.
Use only accessories that are factory approved
for your mower. The wrong accessory can de-
crease the safety of the mower and can even
damage the unit. Read and follow the instruc-
tions included with the accessory and the mow-
er.
Use only original equipment or replacement
parts that are factory approved for service. If you
need service, select an Authorized Service Cen-
ter for your mower. If you do the work on the
unit, follow the instructions in the Instruction
Book.
When you mow, remember that children are at-
tracted to the mower. Always use caution when
mowing around obstacles like trees or shrubs or
when moving backward. Only mow in a forward
direction if possible. Your visibility is decreased
when you mow backward. Also, the blades are
made to cut while the unit is moving forward. If
you mow backward, the cutting performance
decreases.
Before you leave the mower, stop the engine.
Remove the key. Disengage and lower any at-
tachment. Set the parking brake. Never mount
or dismount from the seat while the engine is
running. An accident can occur if you touch the
brake, shift lever, throttle, clutch or blade control
while the engine is running. Mount and dis-
mount from the seat on the side of the unit that
is marked ENTER--EXIT.
Make sure you are in good condition when you
mow. When you mow for several hours your re-
flexes will decrease and your mind will not be as
alert. Take a short break or an accident can oc-
cur. If the temperature is hot, use caution to pre-
vent dehydration. If you are tired, angry or not
completely alert, do not operate the mower. If
you use alcohol, medication or drugs, do not use
the mower or any type of power equipment.
Engine speed is a key to safe mowing and to a
good looking lawn. The maximum speed of the
engine was set at the factory. Do not change the
setting of the engine governor.
Select the maximum engine and ground speed
that is right for the terrain and the height of the
grass. The blade cuts best when the engine is
operating at maximum speed. The engine and
transmission will also run cooler at maximum
engine speed. Also, the grass bagger will func-
tion better when the engine is operating at maxi-
mum speed. On slopes, decrease the ground
speed and use care making sure the mower
feels safe to operate.
If the weather conditions are bad, do not mow. If
weather conditions become bad, stop cutting
and finish later. It is dangerous to cut grass in
the rain. Always find protection in an electrical
storm. If the weather conditions are extra dry,
protect your eyes with safety glasses from the
dust and from the objects discharged by the
mower. Also, a dust or a pollen mask can help.
Your mower is equipped with a number of safety
devices which are important to the safety of the
operator and bystanders and must never be
changed or removed from the mower. If a safety
device is lost, damaged or no longer functions,
repair or replace the device before you operate
the mower.
It is best to mow during the day. If you must
mow at night, make sure there is enough light
for safe operation.
Your mower will require regular maintenance
and service. The maintenance schedule de-
pends on the hours of use. Also, mowing condi-
tions can change the schedule. Check the
Instruction Book for more information. Correct
maintenance will help the mower function safely.
Do not service the mower
(except for the carburetor
adjustment) while the en-
gine is running. Before you
service the unit, even with
the engine stopped, always
disconnect the wire from the
spark plug to prevent the
engine from starting.
If you hit a large object during operation, stop
the engine. Remove the wire from the spark
plug. Carefully inspect the mower for damage.
Before you start the engine again, make the
necessary repairs. If you feel new or excessive
vibration, immediately stop the engine and
check for the problem. Vibration can be a warn-
ing of a problem. Keep all nuts, bolts and screws
tight.
The blade is the most dangerous part of the
mower. Frequently check the blade and the
blade mounting fasteners. Keep the fasteners
tight. If the blade hits a solid object, stop the en-
gine. Remove the wire from the spark plug.
Check for a blade that is bent, cracked or for
other damages. Before you start the engine, re-
place a damaged blade(s). For safety, replace