2
15. Never operate mower in wet grass.
Always be sure of your footing; keep
a firm hold on the handle and walk;
never run.
16. Disengage the Wheel Drive Lever on
self-propelled models before starting
the engine.
17. If the unit should start to vibrate ab-
normally, stop the engine and dis-
connect the spark plug wire. Then
check immediately for the cause.
Vibration is generally a warning of
trouble.
18. Always wear safety goggles or safety
glasses with side shields when oper-
ating mower.
19. Watch for traffic when operating
near, or when crossing roadways.
20. Never attempt to carry children or
other passengers on the mower.
They could fall off and be seriously
injured, or they could interfere with
the safe operation of the mower.
21. Check the operation of the Operator
Presence Control Bar before each
use. See the Maintenance Section of
this manual for instructions. If the
engine runs longer than three sec-
onds after the Operator Presence
Control Bar is released, the system
is not working properly. Immediately
contact your local service dealer or
the factory Technical Service
Department for instructions. Do not
use the mower until the mechanism
is repaired.
22. The mower is equipped with a safety
discharge chute, comes with special
mulcher covers, and offers an op-
tional grass catcher. The safety dis-
charge chute must be working prop-
erly at all times. Never attempt to
disconnect or otherwise cause this
discharge chute to cease working. If
used, mulcher cover or grass
catcher attachment must be installed
properly and function correctly. Do
not use your equipment otherwise.
23. Never run the engine in an enclosed
area. Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, a deadly gas that is odor-
less, colorless, and tasteless. Always
run the engine outdoors and make
sure there is adequate ventilation.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to
slip and fall accidents which can result
in severe injury. All slopes require
extra caution. If 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
15o.
Remove objects such as rocks, tree
limbs, etc.
Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
DO NOT:
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches,
or embankments. The operator could
loose footing or balance.
Do not mow excessively steep slopes.
Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced
footing could cause slipping.
III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the opera-
tor is not alert to the presence of chil-
dren. Children are often attracted to the
mower and to the mowing activity.
Never assume that children will remain
where you last saw them.
1. Keep children out of the mowing
area and under the watchful care of
a responsible adult.
2. Be alert and turn mower 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
mower.
5. Use extra care when approaching
blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other
objects that may obscure vision.
IV. SERVICE
1. Use extra care in handling gasoline
and other fuels. They are flammable
and their vapors are explosive.
a) Use only an approved container.
b) Never remove gas cap or add
fuel when the engine is running.
Allow engine to cool before refu-
eling. Do not smoke.
c) Never refuel the machine
indoors.
d) Never store the machine or fuel
container inside where there is
an open flame, such as a water
heater, etc.
e) Move mower away from any
gasoline fumes before starting
the engine.
2. Never run an engine inside a closed
area.
3. Never make adjustments or repairs
with the engine running. Disconnect
the spark plug wire and keep the
wire away from the plug to prevent
accidental starting.
4. Keep all nuts and bolts, especially
the blade attachment bolts, tight and
keep equipment in good condition.
5. Never tamper with safety devices.
Check their operation regularly.
6. Keep mower free of grass, leaves or
other debris build-up. Clean up oil or
fuel spillage. Allow mower to cool
before storing.
7. After striking an object, stop the en-
gine and disconnect the spark plug
wire. Inspect the mower and repair,
if necessary, before restarting.
8. Never attempt to make mower cut-
ting height adjustments while the
engine is running.
9. Grass catcher components are sub-
ject to wear, damage and deteriora-
tion, which could expose moving
parts or allow objects to be thrown.
Frequently check components and
replace with factory recommended
parts, when necessary.
Section 1: Safety
Summary of Contents for Wide-Cut 34342
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