•
Disengage the drive system, if so equipped, before
starting the engine.
•
If the machine should start to vibrate abnormally, stop
the engine and check for the cause immediately. Vibration
is generally a warning of trouble.
•
Always wear eye protection when operating the machine.
•
Lightning can cause severe injury or death. If you see
lightning or hear thunder in the area, do not operate the
machine; seek shelter.
•
See the manufacturer's instructions for proper operation
and installation of accessories. Use only accessories
approved by the manufacturer.
Slope Operation
Slopes are a major factor related to slip-and-fall accidents,
which can result in severe injury. Operation on all slopes
require extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not
mow it.
•
Mow across the face of slopes; never up and down.
Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on
slopes.
•
Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden
objects. Uneven terrain could cause a slip-and-fall
accident. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
•
Do not mow on wet grass or excessively steep slopes.
Poor footing could cause a slip-and-fall accident.
•
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.
You could lose your footing or balance.
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 mowing area and under the
watchful care of a responsible adult other than the
operator.
•
Be alert and turn mower off if a child enters the area.
•
Never allow children to operate the machine.
•
Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may block your view of a child.
Service
Safe Handling of Gasoline
To avoid personal injury or property damage, use
extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely
flammable and the vapors are explosive.
•
Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources
of ignition.
•
Use only an approved gasoline container.
•
Never remove the gas cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allow the engine to cool before refueling.
•
Never refuel the machine indoors.
•
Never store the machine or fuel container where there is
an open flame, spark, or pilot light, such as on a water
heater or on other appliances.
•
Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or
trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place containers on
the ground away from your vehicle before filling.
•
Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or trailer
and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then
refuel such equipment with a portable container rather
than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.
•
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 clothing immediately.
•
Never overfill fuel tank. Replace the gas cap and tighten
it securely.
WARNING
Exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless,
deadly poison that can kill you.
Do not run the engine indoors or in an enclosed
area.
General Service
•
Never operate the machine in a closed area.
•
Keep all nuts and bolts tight to be sure the equipment is
in safe working condition.
•
Never remove or tamper with safety devices. Check their
proper operation regularly. Never do anything to interfere
with the intended function of a safety device or to reduce
the protection provided by a safety device.
•
Keep the machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris
buildup. Clean up oil or fuel spillage and remove any
fuel-soaked debris. Allow the machine to cool before
storing it.
•
If you strike a foreign object, stop and inspect the
machine. Repair the machine, if necessary, before starting
it.
•
Never make any adjustments or repairs with the engine
running. Disconnect the spark-plug wire and ground
against the engine to prevent unintended starting.
•
Check grass catcher components and the discharge
guard frequently, and replace them with manufacturer's
recommended parts, when necessary.
•
Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear gloves,
and use extra caution when servicing them.
•
Do not change the engine governor setting or overspeed
the engine.
3
Summary of Contents for 10738
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