SAFE MOWING GUIDE
8
F-050406L
Use only original equipment or approved sub-
stitutions as service parts. If you need profes-
sional service, select a shop that is an
Authorized Service Center for your brand of
mower. If you plan to service the unit yourself,
follow directions in the Instruction Book.
As you mow, remember children and pets are
sometimes attracted to the activity. Be espe-
cially careful when trimming around shrubbery
or when backing up. If at all possible, don’t
mow when moving backwards. It is dangerous
because vision is restricted. Also, blades are
designed to cut while the unit is moving for-
ward so cutting performance is reduced when
mowing in reverse.
Never leave the mower running and unat-
tended. Shut off the engine. Put the mower in
a position so that it can not roll. If the unit is
self-propelled, make sure the drive control is
disengaged.
When mowing, be aware of your condition and
the weather conditions. After mowing a long
time, you will be tired. This is the time when
reactions slow down, your attention wanders;
the time when you are wide open for an acci-
dent. Take a short break. If temperatures are
high, take precautions to avoid becoming de-
hydrated. If you are angry, tired, or unable to
give your full attention to mowing, if you have
been consuming alcohol, medicines, or drugs,
do not use your mower or any type of power
equipment.
If weather conditions become worse while you
are cutting, stop and finish later. Cutting grass
in the rain is no fun and it is dangerous. Always
seek shelter in an electrical storm. In extreme-
ly dry mowing conditions, your safety glasses
can serve a dual purpose by protecting your
eyes from dust and thrown objects, also a dust
or pollen mask can be helpful.
Your mower is equipped with a number of safe-
ty features which are important to the safety of
the operator and bystanders and must never
be altered or removed. If a safety feature be-
comes inoperable, lost, or damaged, it must be
repaired or replaced before the mower is used.
Engine speed is a key to safe mowing and a
nice looking lawn. The maximum speed of the
engine on your mower has been set at the fac-
tory. Do not change the engine governor in any
way.
Select the maximum engine and ground speed
that is right for the terrain and the height of
grass. You get the best cutting and bagging
performance when using a grass catcher by
operating the engine at maximum speed. Nev-
er walk fast or run just to get the job done soon-
er. On inclines, reduce ground speed and
exercise extreme care.
It is best to mow only during daylight hours;
however, if you must mow in the late afternoon
or evening, make sure there is good artificial
light.
Your mower will require maintenance including
service and adjustments before and after use
as with any machine. The frequency of the
maintenance is generally based on hours of
use, however, the frequency can vary because
of mowing conditions. Check the Instruction
Book for more detailed instructions. Proper
maintenance protects your investment in the
mower and helps insure that it will function
safely and reliably.
Never attempt any
service (with the pos-
sible exception of car-
buretor adjustment)
with the engine run-
ning. After turning the
engine off, always
disconnect the spark
plug wire to prevent
accidental restarting
while the unit is being
serviced.