4
OPERATING ON A SLOPE
Slopes are a major factor related to accidents involving slips and falls, which can result in severe injury. Operating the
mower on a slope requires extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it. For your safety, use the slope
gauge that is included as part of this manual to measure slopes before operating this mower on a sloped or hilly area.
Do not mow a slope that has an angle of greater than 15°.
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Mow across the face of a slope, and never up and down. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on a
slope.
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Watch for holes, ruts, rocks, hidden objects, or bumps that may cause a slip or a trip. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
Remove all objects such as rocks, tree limbs, etc., that can be tripped over or thrown by the blade.
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Always be sure of your footing. If you feel like you are losing your balance, release the switch handle immediately.
The blade will stop rotating within 3 seconds.
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Do not mow near drop-‐offs, ditches, or embankments, because you could lose your footing or balance.
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Do not mow a slope that has an angle of greater than 15°, as determined using the slope gauge.
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Do not mow wet or damp grass. Unstable footing can cause slipping.
CHILDREN
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Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not aware of the presence of children. Keep children out of the mowing
area and under the watchful care of a responsible adult. Stay alert, and turn the mower off if a child enters the mowing
area. Look behind and down for small children before and while moving backwards. Use extreme care when
approaching blind corners, doorways, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure your view of a child who may
run into the path of the mower.
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Do not allow children under the age of 14 to operate this mower. Children who are 14 years of age and older must
read and understand the operating instructions and safety rules in this manual and must be trained and supervised by
a parent.
SERVICE
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When servicing the mower, use only replacement parts that are listed in this manual. The use of parts that do not
meet the original equipment specifications may lead to improper performance, and may compromise safety.
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Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, verify that the blade and all moving parts have come to a complete stop. In
order to prevent accidental start-‐ups, disconnect the power cord when the mower is not in use.
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Follow the instructions for lubricating and changing accessories.
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Inspect the lawn mower’s power cord and extension cords regularly and replace them immediately if they are
damaged. In order to obtain replacement parts, call the toll-‐free helpline.
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Keep the handles dry, clean and free of oil and grease.
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In order to reduce the risk of fire, keep the motor free of grass, leaves, and debris build up.
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Check the blade and the motor mounting bolts frequently for proper tightness. Visually inspect blade for damage
(e.g., bent, cracked, or worn).
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For best and safest performance, maintain the mower with care. Keep the mower blade sharp and clean. Mower
blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blades or wear gloves and use extra caution when servicing.
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Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight in order to be sure that the mower is in safe working condition.
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Do not tamper with safety devices. Check them regularly for proper operation.
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After striking a foreign object, stop the motor and disconnect the power cord. Thoroughly inspect the mower for any
damage. Repair any damage before operating the mower.
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The grass catcher components, discharge cover and trail shield are subject to wear and damage, which could
expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. As a safety precaution, check the components frequently and
immediately replace any parts that show signs of wear, or that are cracked or broken. Use original equipment
manufacturer’s (OEM) parts only, as listed in this manual.
