2
Section 1: Safety
16. Do not operate the machine while
under the influence of alcohol or drugs,
or when tired or ill.
17. If using machine in wet conditions,
exercise extreme care to prevent loss of
footing. Wear footwear that will improve
traction. Avoid sloping ground. Hold the
handlebars with two hands and walk;
never run.
18. Release Trimmer Head Control Bail
before starting engine.
19. If the unit starts to vibrate abnor-
mally, stop the engine and disconnect the
spark plug wire. Check immediately for
the cause. Vibration is generally a warn-
ing of trouble.
20. Always wear approved safety gog-
gles or safety glasses with side shields
when operating equipment. The use of
any powered machine can result in for-
eign objects being thrown by highspeed
rotating parts which can cause personal
injury or property damage. Stay away
from glass and other easily thrown or
breakable objects.
21. Wear work gloves and sturdy
footwear when using this equipment.
Leather work shoes or short boots are
ideal. They protect ankles and shins from
rocks, pebbles, splinters, etc.
22. It is advisable to wear protective
headgear to prevent the possibility of
being hit by small flying particles, etc.
23. Before each use, inspect the Throttle
Control Lever and cable. Make sure the
cable is free and the lever functions
properly.
24. Watch for traffic when near or when
crossing roadways.
25. Never attempt to carry children or
other passengers on the equipment. They
could fall off and be seriously injured, or
they could interfere with safe operation of
the equipment.
26. The machine is equipped with a plas-
tic debris shield in front of the engine and
a rubber debris flap under the frame.
They must be in place and working prop-
erly. Never remove or cause the debris
shield or debris flap to cease working. If
either of these parts is missing or not
working properly, do not use the equip-
ment until this situation is corrected.
27. Be aware of where the machine is
discharging materials and do not point
the discharge at anyone.
28. Never run the engine in an enclosed
area. Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, a deadly gas that is odorless,
colorless and tasteless. Always run the
engine outdoors where there is adequate
ventilation.
29. Slow down before turning.
30. Shut off engine when not trimming
or mowing.
31. Use extra care when loading or un-
loading machine into a trailer or truck.
32. Use this equipment for its intended
purpose only.
33. Always make sure the handlebars are
tight and comfortably positioned. They
should never be in an awkward position
for the operator.
SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss
of control and tip-over accidents which
can result in severe injury or death. All
slopes require extra caution. If you can
not back up the slope or you feel uneasy
on a slope, do not mow it.
Do:
Mow across the face of slopes; never
up and down. Exercise extreme cau-
tion when changing direction on
slopes. Avoid slopes greater than 15
o
.
Remove objects such as rocks, tree
limbs, etc.
Uneven terrain could overturn the ma-
chine. Watch for holes, ruts, or
bumps. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
Use slow speed.
Use extra care with grass catchers or
other attachments. These can change
the stability of the machine. Keep all
movement on the slopes slow and
gradual.
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope.
Do Not:
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or
embankments. You could lose footing
or balance.
Do not mow on very steep slopes.
Do not mow on wet grass. Slippery
footing can be hazardous.
CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator
is not alert to the presence of children.
Children are often attracted to the ma-
chine and the mowing activity. Never as-
sume that children will remain where you
last saw them.
1. Keep children out of the mowing area
and under the watchful care of a respon-
sible adult.
2. Be alert and turn machine off if chil-
dren enter the area.
3. Before and while moving backwards,
look behind and down for small children.
4. Never allow children to operate the
machine.
5. Use extra care near blind corners,
shrubs, trees, or other objects that may
obscure vision.
6. Never carry children, even with the
trimmer head stopped. Children may fall
off and be seriously injured or interfere
with safe machine operation.
7. Do not allow children nearby if you
are working.
SERVICE
1. Use extra care in handling gasoline
and other fuels. They are flammable and
their vapors are explosive. To help pre-
vent a fire or explosion:
a) Use only an approved container.
b) Never remove gas cap or add fuel
when the engine is running. Let en-
gine cool before refueling. Do not
smoke.
c) Never refuel the machine indoors.
Fill the fuel tank outdoors and with
extreme care.
d) Never store the machine or fuel
container inside where there is an
open flame, such as a water
heater, etc.
