42
SERVICE NOTES
3
CAUTION:
Muffler and other engine
parts become extremely
hot during operation and
remain hot after engine
has stopped. To avoid
severe burns on contact,
stay away from these areas.
WARNING:
Engine exhaust, some of its
constituents, and certain vehicle com po-
nents contain or emit chem i cals known to
the State of Cal i for nia to cause can cer and
birth defects or oth er re pro duc tive harm.
WARNING:
Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to the State
of Cal i for nia to cause can cer and birth
defects or oth er re pro duc tive harm.
Wash
hands after handling.
WARNING:
This lawn mower is
equipped with an internal com bus tion
engine and should not be used on or near
any un im proved forest-covered, brush-
covered or grass-cov ered land unless the
engine’s exhaust system is equipped with
a spark arrester meeting applicable local
or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is
used, it should be maintained in effective
working order by the operator.
In the state of California the above is re-
quired by law (Section 4442 of the Califor-
nia Public Resources Code). Other states
may have similar laws. Federal laws apply
on federal lands. A spark arrester for the
muffler is available through your nearest
Sears Parts & Repair Center (See the RE-
PAIR PARTS section of this manual).
I. CHILDREN
WARNING:
CHILDREN CAN
BE SERIOUSLY INJURED OR
KILLED BY THIS EQUIPMENT.
Carefully read and follow all of
the safety instructions below.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recom-
mends that children be a minimum of 12 year
of age before operating a pedestrian con-
trolled lawn mower and a minimum of 16 years
of age before operating a riding lawn mower.
Tragic accidents can occur if the op er a tor is
not alert to the presence of children. Children
are often attracted to the ma chine and the
mowing activity.
Never
assume that children
will remain where you last saw them.
• Keep children out of the mowing area
and under the watchful care of a re-
spon si ble adult
other than
the operator.
• Be alert and turn machine off if chil dren
enter the area.
• Before and while walking back wards, look
behind and
down
for small chil dren.
• Never allow children to operate the
machine.
II. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all
in struc tions on the machine and in the
manual(s) before starting. Be thor ough ly
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 in struc tions, 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
blade. Stay behind the handle when the
engine (motor) is running.
• Be sure the area is clear of other people
before mowing. Stop ma chine if anyone
enters the area.
• Do not operate machine bare footed or
while wearing sandals. Al ways wear
substantial footwear with good ankle
support while mowing.
• Do not pull mower backwards unless
absolutely nec es sary. Always look down
and behind before and while moving
backwards.
• Never direct discharged material toward
anyone. Avoid discharging material
against a wall or obstruction. Material
may richochet back toward the opera-
tor. Stop blade when crossing gravel
surfaces.
• Do not operate the mower without
proper guards, plates, grass catcher or
oth er 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 grav el
drives, walks, or roads.
• Never leave a running machine unat-
tended.
• Stop the engine (motor) and wait until
the blade comes to a complete stop
before clean ing the machine, removing
the grass catcher, or unclogging the
discharge chute.
• 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; walk, never run.
