4
•
Use extra care when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
•
Keep in mind that the operator or user is responsible
for accidents or hazards occurring to other people or
their property.
Preparation
•
While mowing, always wear substantial footwear and
long trousers.
•
Do not operate the equipment when barefoot or
wearing open sandals.
•
Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side
shields when operating mower.
•
Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to
be used and remove all stones, sticks, wires, bones,
and other foreign objects.
•
Warning: Gasoline is highly flammable. Take the
following precautions:
–
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 gasoline while the
engine is running or when the engine is hot.
–
If gasoline 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 gasoline vapors have dissipated.
–
Replace all fuel tank and container caps securely.
–
If the fuel tank has to be drained, do this outdoors.
•
Replace faulty mufflers.
•
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.
•
On multibladed machines, take care as rotating one
blade can cause other blades to rotate.
Operation
•
Do not operate the engine in a confined space where
dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.
•
Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
•
Always be sure of your footing on slopes.
•
Walk; never run.
•
Keep a firm hold on the handle.
•
For wheeled rotary machines, mow across the face of
slopes, never up and down.
•
Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on
slopes.
•
Do not mow excessively steep slopes.
•
Use extreme caution when reversing or pulling the
mower toward you.
•
Before and while moving backward, look behind and
down for small children.
•
Stop the blade(s) if the mower has to be tilted for
transportation when crossing surfaces other than grass
and when transporting the mower to and from the area
to be mowed.
•
Never operate the mower with damaged or missing
guards or shields, or without safety devices; for
example, deflectors and/or grass catchers in place.
•
Do not change the engine governor settings or
overspeed the engine.
•
Disengage all blade and drive clutches before starting
the engine.
•
Start the engine or switch on the motor carefully
according to instructions and with feet well away from
the blade(s).
•
Do not tilt when starting the engine or switching on
the motor, unless the mower has to be tilted for
starting. In this case, do not tilt it more than absolutely
necessary and lift only the part which is away from the
operator.
•
Do not start the engine when standing in front of the
discharge chute.
•
Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.
Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.
•
Never pick up or carry a mower while the engine is
running.
•
Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug lead
–
before clearing blockages or unclogging chute;
–
before checking, cleaning, or working on the
mower;
–
after striking a foreign object. Inspect the mower
for damage and make repairs before restarting and
operating the mower;
–
if mower starts to vibrate abnormally (check
immediately).
•
Stop the engine
–
whenever you leave the mower;
–
before refuelling.
