Murray 309008x99B, Instruction Book, Page: 6 / 52

SAFE MOWING GUIDE
6
F − 050616L
Each person that operates power
equipment must learn to use correct and
safe mowing procedures. To help you
learn, carefully read the following
pages. Most of the time the operator was
not correctly shown or did not read the
instructions on the unit or in the Instruction
Book before using the unit. Also, some
operators do not have enough experience.
The result is unsafe use, endangering the
operator, bystanders and the equipment.
Another result can be a poor appearance
of the area mowed.
Read this book . Read the instructions on
the unit. Operate the mower according to
the Safe Mowing Guide. Follow all safety
rules, cautions or warnings in this book
and on the unit. Make sure anyone that
uses the unit reads the instructions and is
told how to safely operate the mower.
The mower will give you good service and
durability, if operated in normal conditions.
If the mower is not correctly serviced or is
used where the terrain is rough or
unsuitable, product performance and
safety will be decreased.
Correct clothing is an important part of safe
mowing. Safety glasses will protect the
eyes from objects discharged by the
mower. Safety shoes with steel plates can
protect a foot from injury by the blade. For
protection from objects discharged from
the mower, wear clothing that will cover the
arms and legs.
Before you start cutting the grass, practice
using the mower in a large open and level
area. Learn the location of the controls on
the mower. Know the purpose of the
controls and how they work. In an
emergency, how fast you can stop the
blade is important. Learn how to control
the mower at all times.
Many engines are started by hand. When
you use a pull start or rope start, place
your feet apart and away from the blade(s).
Hold the rope handle tight. Never wrap the
rope around your arm or fingers for a
“better grip”. To start the engine, follow the
instructions on the mower, in this book and
in the engine operating instructions.
For electric start engines, sit in the seat to
start the engine. The battery can be
dangerous. Follow the instructions on the
battery, the acid container, and in this book
when working with the battery. Even small
batteries have enough voltage to cause an
injury. Always be careful.
The mower is designed to be operated by
one person. Never let another person ride
with you on the unit or on any accessories.
A passenger will make the unit harder to
control, block the visibility or distract the
operator and is dangerous to the operator,
the passenger and the equipment. Without
a passenger seat, the passenger can fall
from the mower or contact dangerous
parts. A mower is not a toy for showing off
or for giving rides.
Never cut a wet lawn. Wet grass can
cause an accident, affect mower
performance and can cause problems with
future lawn growth and appearance. Wet
grass is slippery and can cause the mower
to slip. Someone can get injured by
touching the blade(s). Wet grass tends to
clog the mower, causing poor discharge.
Cut wet grass will collect on the lawn,
retarding the growth of the grass. Also,
getting the mower wet will cause parts to
rust and decrease the life of the unit.
When you look over the lawn, remember
obstacles that cannot be removed, like
pipes, stumps or rocks. Keep away from
these obstacles that can cause damage to
the mower or injury to the operator or a
person near the mower. Clear the area of
rocks, toys, wire or other loose objects.
These items can damage the mower or
can be discharged by the mower blade.
The blade of a power mower rotates very
fast. It can discharge rocks and other
objects over a long distance which can be
dangerous. The force of the objects can
break windows, cause injuries or even put
an eye out. Most of the time the injury is to
a person, like a child. Keep every person
completely away from the area to be
mowed. Make sure the grass is not
discharged toward anyone. Planning your
mowing pattern has a double advantage. It
can decrease the possibility of an injury
and make the clean up after mowing
easier.
Check the terrain of the area to be mowed.
Mow in a pattern that will keep you away
from dangerous areas. Check the distance
you need to stop and the distance
available to turn. Slopes and rough terrain
must be mowed carefully and some areas
must not be mowed at all. With riding
mowers, mow up and down the hill. When
you must mow rough terrain or on slopes,
never change directions or change gears
and stop in these areas only in an
emergency. Before you ride up or down a
slope, try to back straight up the slope. Do
not ride up or down a slope that is too
steep to back straight up. See the “Guide”
in the back of this Instruction Book to
check any slopes.
Before you start cutting, make sure the
mower was completely assembled
according to the Instruction Book. If the