•
If gasoline is spilled, do not attempt to start the
engine but move the mower 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.
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 stones, sticks, wires, bones
and other foreign objects.
•
Before using, always visually inspect to see that
guards, and safety devices, such as deflectors and/or
grass catchers, are in place and working correctly.
•
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.
Starting
•
Disengage all blade and drive clutches and shift into
neutral before starting the engine.
•
Do not tilt mower 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.
•
Start the engine or switch on the motor carefully
according to instructions and with feet well away
from the blade(s) and not in front of the discharge
chute.
Operation
•
Never mow while people, especially children, or pets
are nearby.
•
Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
•
Avoid operating the lawn mower in wet grass, where
feasible.
•
Stay alert for holes in the terrain and other hidden
hazards.
•
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 lawn mower while the
engine is running.
•
Use extreme caution when reversing or pulling a
pedestrian controlled lawn mower towards you.
•
Walk, never run.
•
Slopes:
– Do not mow excessively steep slopes.
– Exercise extreme caution when on slopes.
– Mow across the face of slopes, never up and
down and exercise extreme caution when
changing direction on slopes.
– Always be sure of your footing on slopes.
•
Use low throttle settings when engaging the
traction-clutch, especially in high gears. Reduce
speed on slopes and in sharp turns to prevent
overturning or loss of control.
•
Stop the blade 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.
•
Do not operate the engine in a confined space where
dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.
•
Stop the engine
– whenever you leave the lawn mower.
– before refueling.
– before removing the grass catcher.
– before making height adjustment unless
adjustment can be made from the operator’s
position.
•
Stop the engine and disconnect the spark-plug wire.
– before clearing blockages or unclogging chute.
– before checking, cleaning or working on the lawn
mower.
– after striking a foreign object, inspect the lawn
mower for damage and make repairs before
restarting and operating the lawn mower.
– if lawn mower starts to vibrate abnormally (check
immediately).
•
Reduce the throttle setting during engine shut down,
and close the fuel valve at the conclusion of mowing.
•
Watch out for traffic when crossing or near roadways.
Maintenance and Storage
•
Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
•
Do not use pressure cleaning equipment on machine.
•
Never store the equipment with gasoline in the tank
and inside a building where fumes can reach an open
flame or spark.
•
Allow the engine to cool before storing in any
enclosure.
•
To reduce the fire hazard, keep the engine, silencer,
battery compartment and gasoline storage are free of
grass, leaves, or excessive grease.
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