5. HEALTH AND SAFETY INFORMATION
5.1
LAWN MOWER SAFETY WARNINGS
LAWN MOWERS ADDITIONAL SAFETY
Warning:
Keep bystanders away.
The engine shall be stopped before carrying out adjustment, cleaning or maintenance.
Read user instructions before operating this machine.
The lawn mower shall not be operated without either the entire grass catcher or the guard in place.
Caution:
Do not touch rotating blade.
Beware of blades. Blades continue to rotate after the motor is switched off. Use ear protection as
appropriate.
Never operate the mower if you are tired, ill or under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication
that may impair your vision, judgement or coordination.
The blade control handle is a safety device. Never attempt to bypass its operation. Doing so
makes the safety device inoperative and may result in personal injury through contact with the
rotating blade. The blade control handle must operate easily in both directions and automatically
return to the disengaged position when released.
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES FOR PEDESTRIAN-CONTROLLED ROTARY LAWN
MOWERS.
1. Training.
- Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the controls and the proper use of the
equipment.
- Never allow children or people unfamiliar with these instructions to use the lawn mower,
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.
2. Preparation.
- While mowing, always wear substantial footwear and long trousers. Do not operate the
equipment when barefoot or wearing open sandals.
- Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used and remove all objects
which can be thrown by the machine.
WARNING Petrol is highly flammable:
- store fuel in containers specifically designed for this purpose;
- refuel outdoors only and do not smoke while refuelling;
- add fuel before starting the engine. Never remove the cap of the fuel tank or add petrol
while the 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 of spillage and avoid creating any source of ignition until petrol vapours have
dissipated;
- replace all fuel tank and container caps securely.
- 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.
10. MAINTENANCE & TROUBLESHOOTING
10.6 LUBRICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Caution:
DISCONNECT SPARK PLUG BEFORE SERVICING.
1. WHEELS - Lubricate the ball bearings in each wheel at
least once a season with a light oil.
2. ENGINE - Maintain recommended oil level at all times. Use
engine oil grade 10W-40.
3. BLADE CONTROL - Lubricate the pivot points on the blade
control handle and the brake cable at least once a season
with light oil. The blade control must operate freely in both
directions.
10.7 CUTTING BLADE
Caution:
Be sure to disconnect and ground the spark plug wire
before working on the cutting blade to prevent accidental
engine starting. Protect hands by using heavy gloves or a rag
to grasp the cutting blades.
Remove the hex bolt and washer which hold the blade and
blade adapter to the engine crankshaft. Remove the blade and
adapter from the crankshaft.
Warning:
Periodically inspect the blade adapter for cracks,
especially if you strike a foreign object. Replace when
necessary (Stock Nos.69031 for 66171 and 66172, Stock
No.68598 for 66173).
For best results your blade should be sharp. The blade may be
resharpened by removing it and either grinding or filing the
cutting edge keeping as close to the original bevel as possible.
It is extremely important that each cutting edge receives an
equal amount of grinding to prevent an unbalanced blade.
Improper blade balance will result in excessive vibration
causing eventual damage to the engine and mower. Be sure to
carefully balance blade after sharpening. The blade can be
tested for balance by balancing it on a round shaft screwdriver.
Remove metal from the heaviest side evenly.
10.8 CUTTING BLADE
Before reassembling the blade and the
blade adapter to the unit, lubricate the
engine crankshaft and the inner surface
of the blade adapter with light oil. Install
the blade adapter on the crankshaft with
the "star" away from the engine. Refer to
(
Fig.26
). Place the blade with the part
number facing away from the adapter.
Align the washer over the blade and
insert the hex bolt. Tighten the hex bolt
to the torque listed on page 23.
- 7 -
- 22 -
FIG.26
Flat Key
Blade Adapter
Blade
Washer
Hex Bolt
