2
CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug
wire and place wire where it cannot contact
spark plug in order to prevent ac ci den tal
starting when setting up, trans
port ing,
adjusting or making re pairs.
Look for this symbol to point out im-
por tant safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BE
COME ALERT!!! YOUR
SAFE TY IS IN VOLVED.
CAUTION: Muffl er 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.
Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Mowers
IMPORTANT:
THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROW ING OBJECTS. FAILURE
TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
SAFETY RULES
WARNING:
This lawn mower is equipped with an in-
ternal 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.
A spark arrester for the muffl er is available through your
nearest authorized service center.
WARNING:
Engine exhaust, some of its con stit u ents,
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 ac ces-
so ries 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.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
•
Read, understand, and follow all instructions 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 discharge opening at all times.
•
Only allow responsible individuals, who are familiar
with the instructions, 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 the blade.
•
Be sure the area is clear of other people before mow-
ing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
•
Do not operate the mower when barefoot or wearing
open sandals. Always wear substantial foot wear.
•
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 obstruc-
tion. Material may richochet back toward the operator.
Stop the blade when crossing gravel surfaces.
•
Do not operate the mower without proper guards,
plates, grass catcher or other safety protective devices
in place.
•
See manufacturer’s instructions for proper operation
and installation of accessories. Only use accessories
approved by the manufacturer.
•
Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks,
or roads.
•
Stop the engine (motor) whenever you leave the equip-
ment, before cleaning the mower or unclogging the
chute.
•
Shut the engine (motor) off and wait until the blade
comes to complete stop before removing grass catch er.
•
Mow only in daylight or good artifi cial light.
•
Do not operate the machine while under the infl uence
of alcohol or drugs.
•
Never operate machine in wet grass. Always be sure
of your footing: keep a fi rm hold on the handle and
walk; never run.
•
Disengage the self-propelled mechanism or drive clutch
on mowers so equipped before starting the engine (motor).
•
If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally,
stop the engine (motor) and check immediately for the
cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
•
Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side
shields when operating mower.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents
which can result in severe injury. All slopes require extra
caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.
DO:
•
Mow across the face of slopes: never up and down. Exer-
cise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
•
Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
•
Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall grass can hide
obstacles.
DO NOT:
•
Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or embankments.
The operator could lose footing or balance.
•
Do not trim excessively steep slopes.
•
Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced footing could cause
slipping.
III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to
the presence of children. Children are often attracted to
the machine and the mowing activity.
Never
assume that
children will remain where you last saw them.
• Keep children out of the trimming area and under the
watchful care of another re spon si ble adult.
•
Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.
•
Before and while walking backwards, look behind and
down
for small children.
•
Never allow children to operate the machine.
•
Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
WARNING:
CHILDREN CAN BE INJURED BY THIS
EQUIPMENT. The American Academy of Pediatrics rec-
ommends that children be a minimum of 12 year of age
before operating a pedestrian controlled lawn mower and
a minimum of 16 years of age before operating a riding
lawn mower.
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