•
Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot
on the ground.
•
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, steep banks, or
water. Wheels dropping over edges can cause rollovers,
which may result in serious injury, death or drowning.
•
Use a walk behind mower and/or a hand trimmer near
drop-offs, ditches, steep banks, or water.
Children
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the
machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that children
will remain where you last saw them.
•
Keep children out of the mowing area and under the
watchful care of another responsible adult, not the
operator.
•
Be alert and turn the machine off if children enter the
area.
•
Before and while backing or changing direction, look
behind, down, and side-to-side for small children.
•
Never carry children on the machine, even with the
blades off. Children may fall off and be seriously injured
or interfere with the safe operation of the machine.
•
Children who have been given rides in the past may
suddenly appear in the mowing area for another ride and
be run over or backed over by the mower.
•
Never allow children to operate the machine.
•
Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, the end of a fence, or other objects that may
obscure vision.
Towing Safety
•
Do not attach towed equipment except at the hitch point.
•
Follow the attachment manufacturer's recommendation
for weight limits for towed equipment and towing on
slopes. Towed weight must not exceed the weight of the
machine, operator, and ballast. Use counterweights or
wheel weights as described in the attachment, or in the
towing machine
Operator’s Manual
.
•
Never allow children or others in or on towed equipment.
•
On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may cause
loss of traction, increased risk of rollover, and loss of
control. Reduce the towed weight and slow down.
•
The stopping distance increases with the weight of the
towed load. Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.
•
Make wide turns to keep the attachment clear of the
machine.
Service
Safe Handling of Gasoline
To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extra care
when handling gasoline and other fuels. They are flammable
and the vapors are explosive.
•
Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources
of ignition.
•
Use only an approved container.
•
Never remove the fuel cap or add fuel when the engine is
running. Allow the engine to cool before refueling.
•
Never refuel the machine indoors.
•
Never store the machine or fuel container inside where
there is an open flame, such as near a water heater or
furnace.
•
Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or
trailer with a plastic liner. Always place containers on the
ground, away from your vehicle before filling.
•
Remove fuel-powered equipment from the truck or trailer
and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then
refuel such equipment with a portable container rather
than from a gasoline-dispenser nozzle.
•
Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank
or container opening at all times until the fueling is
complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.
•
If you spill fuel on clothing, change your clothing
immediately.
•
Never overfill the fuel tank. Replace the fuel cap and
tighten it securely.
General Service
•
Never operate a machine inside a closed area. Engine
exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which is an odorless,
deadly poison that can kill you.
•
Keep nuts and bolts tight, especially the blade attachment
bolts. Keep equipment in good condition.
•
Never interfere with the intended function of a safety
device or to reduce the protection provided by a safety
device. Check their proper operation regularly.
•
Keep the machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris
buildup. Clean up oil or fuel spills and fuel-soaked debris.
Allow the machine to cool before storing it.
•
Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object.
Repair, if necessary, before starting the machine.
•
Never make any adjustments or repairs with the engine
running.
•
Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage,
and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or
allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check components
and replace them with the manufacturers' recommended
parts, when necessary.
•
Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or
wear thickly-padded gloves and use extra caution when
servicing them.
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