Makita PLM4630N, Original Instruction Manual

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2. GENERAL SAFETY RULES
WARNING: When using petrol tools, basic safety
precautions, including the following, should always be
followed to reduce the risk of serious personal injury and/
or damage to the unit. Read all these instructions before
operating this product and retain these instructions for
future reference.
WARNING: This machine produces an
electromagnetic field during operation. This field may
under some circumstances interfere with active or passive
medical implants. To reduce the risk of serious or fatal
injury, we recommend persons with medical implants to
consult their physician and the medical implant
manufacturer before operating this machine.
Training
• Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the
controls and the proper use of the equipment. Learn
how to stop the engine quickly.
• Only use the lawn mower for the purpose for which it
was designed, i.e. for cutting and collecting grass. Any
other use can be hazardous, causing damage to the
machine. Examples of improper use may include, but
are not limited to:
- transport of people, children or animals on the
machine;
- being transported by the machine;
- using the machine to tow or push loads;
- using the machine for leaf or debris collection;
- using the machine to trim hedges, or for cutting
vegetation other than grass;
- use of the machine by more than one person;
- using the blade on surfaces other than grass.
• Never allow children or people unfamiliar with these
instructions to use the lawn mower. Local regulations
can restrict the age of the operator.
• Never use the lawn mower:
- when people, especially children, or pets are
nearby;
- if the operator has taken medicine or substances
that can affect his ability to react and concentrate.
• Keep in mind that the operator or user is responsible
for accidents or hazards occurring to other people or
their property.
• The operators must receive proper training in the use,
adjustment and operation of the machine, including
prohibited operations.
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, such as stones, toys,
sticks and wires, 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
refueling;
- 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 vapors 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.
• Check regularly to ensure that all starting interlocks
and operator presence controls are properly
functioning.
Operation
• Do not operate the engine in a confined space where
dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.
• Do not use the machine while being tired, ill or under
influence of alcohol or other drugs.
• Warning! Do not use the lawn mower when there is a
risk for lighting.
• It is recommended to limit the duration of operation, in
order to minimize the risks from noise and vibration.
• Be careful when using the lawn mower in slopes and
near drop-offs, ditches or embankments.
• Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
• Avoid operating the equipment in wet grass, where
feasible.
• Always be sure of your footing on slopes.
• Walk, never run.
• 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 on steep slopes.
• Use extreme caution when reversing or pulling the
lawn mower towards you.
• Stop the blade(s) if the lawn mower has to be tilted for
transportation when crossing surfaces other than
grass, and when transporting the lawn mower to and
from the area to be mowed.
• Never operate the lawn mower with defective guards,
or without safety devices, for example deflectors and/or
grass catchers, in place.
• Caution: The lawn mower shall not be operated without
either the entire grass catcher or self-closing discharge
opening guard in place.
• Do not change the engine governor settings or
overspeed the engine.
• Do not alter or tamper with any sealed adjustment for
the engine speed control.
• The lawn mower safety systems or features shall not
be tampered with or disabled.
• Disengage all blades and drive clutches before starting
the engine.
• Start the engine carefully according to instructions and
with feet well away from the blade(s).
• Do not tilt the lawn mower when starting the engine.