•
Wear appropriate clothing, including safety glasses and
hearing protection. Long hair, loose clothing, or jewelry
may get tangled in moving parts.
•
Inspect the area where the equipment is to be used and
remove all objects such as rocks, toys, and wire which can
be thrown by the machine.
•
Check that operator’s presence controls, safety switches
and shields are attached and functioning properly. Do not
operate them unless they are functioning properly.
Operation
•
Never run an engine in an enclosed area.
•
Only operate in good light, keeping away from holes and
hidden hazards.
•
Only start engine from the operator’s position.
•
Be sure of your footing while using pedestrian-controlled
equipment, especially when backing up.
•
Walk, don’t run.
•
Never operate on wet grass. Reduced footing could cause
slipping.
•
Slow down and use extra care on hillsides. Be sure to
travel in the recommended direction on hillsides.
•
Use caution while operating near drop-offs.
•
Slow down and use caution when making turns and when
changing directions on slopes.
•
Never raise the deck with the blades running.
•
Never operate with the discharge deflector raised,
removed or altered, unless using a grass catcher.
•
Do not change the engine governor setting or overspeed
the engine.
•
Stop on level ground and shut off engine before leaving
the operator’s position for any reason including emptying
the catchers or unclogging the chute.
•
Stop equipment and inspect blades after striking objects
or if an abnormal vibration occurs. Make necessary
repairs before resuming operation.
•
Keep hands and feet away from the cutting units.
•
Look behind and down before backing up to be sure of
a clear path.
•
Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not
point it at anyone.
•
Do not operate the mower while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
•
Use care when loading or unloading the machine into a
trailer or truck.
•
Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees,
or other objects that may obscure vision.
Safe Handling of Fuels
•
To avoid personal injury or property damage, use
extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely
flammable and the vapors are explosive.
•
Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources
of ignition.
•
Use only an approved fuel container.
•
Never remove fuel cap or add fuel with the engine
running.
•
Allow engine to cool before refueling.
•
Never refuel the machine indoors.
•
Never store the machine or fuel container where there is
an open flame, spark, or pilot light such as on a water
heater or on other appliances.
•
Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or
trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place containers on
the ground away from your vehicle before filling.
•
Remove 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
fuel dispenser nozzle.
•
Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank
or container opening at all times until fueling is complete.
•
Do not use a nozzle lock open device.
•
If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately.
•
Never overfill fuel tank. Replace fuel cap and tighten
securely.
Hauling
•
Use care when loading or unloading the machine into a
trailer or truck.
•
Tie the machine down securely using straps, chains, cable,
or ropes. Both front and rear straps should be directed
down and outward from the machine.
Maintenance and Storage
•
Wait for all movement to stop before adjusting, cleaning
or repairing.
•
Clean grass and debris from cutting unit, muffler, and
engine to help prevent fires.
•
Clean up oil or fuel spills.
•
Let engine cool before storing and do not store near
flame.
•
Do not store fuel near flames or drain indoors.
•
Never allow untrained personnel to service machine.
•
Use care when checking the blades.
•
Wrap the blades or wear gloves, and use caution when
servicing.
•
Only replace blades. Never straighten or weld them.
•
Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.
•
If possible, do not make adjustments with the engine
running.
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