3
GENERAL OPERATION
Read this operator’s manual carefully in its entirety before attempting to assemble
this machine. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and
in the manuals before operation. Keep this manual in a safe place for future and
regular reference and for ordering replacement parts
• Be completely familiar with the controls and the proper use of this machine
before operating it.
• This machine is a precision piece of power equipment, not a plaything.
Therefore, exercise extreme caution at all times. This machine has been
designed to perform one job: to mow grass. Do not use it for any other purpose.
• Never allow children under 14 years of age to operate this machine. Children
14 and over should read and understand the instructions and safe operation
practices in this manual and on the machine and should be trained and
supervised by an adult.
• Only responsible individuals who are familiar with these rules of safe operation
should be allowed to use this machine.
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used. Remove all
stones, sticks, wire, bones, toys and other foreign objects, which could be
tripped over or picked up and thrown by the blade. Thrown objects can cause
serious personal injury.
• Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of material toward roads,
sidewalks, bystanders and the like. Also, avoid discharging material against
a wall or obstruction, which may cause discharged material to ricochet back
toward the operator.
• To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury, stay in operator zone
behind handles and keep children, bystanders, helpers and pets at least 75 feet
from mower while it is in operation. Stop machine if anyone enters area.
• Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during operation and while
performing an adjustment or repair to protect your eyes. Thrown objects which
ricochet can cause serious injury to the eyes.
• Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-fitting slacks and shirts. Shirts
and pants that cover the arms and legs and steel-toed shoes are recommended.
Never operate this machine in bare feet, sandals, slippery or light-weight (e.g.
canvas) shoes.
• Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the cutting deck. Contact
with blade can amputate fingers, hands, toes and feet.
• A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause blade contact or thrown
object injuries.
• Many injuries occur as a result of the mower being pulled over the foot during a
fall caused by slipping or tripping. Do not hold on to the mower if ou are falling:
release the handle immediately.
• Never pull the mower back toward you while you are walking. If you must back
the mower away from a wall or obstruction first look down and behind to avoid
tripping and then follow these steps:
a. Step back from mower to fully extend your arms forward.
b. Be sure you are well balanced with sure footing.
c. Pull the mower back slowly, no more than half way toward you.
d. Repeat these steps as needed.
• Do not operate the mower while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Do not engage the self-propelled mechanism on machines so equipped while
starting engine.
• The blade control handle is a safety device. Never attempt to bypass its
operation. Doing so makes the safety device inoperative and may result in
personal injury through contact with the rotating blade. The blade control
handle must operate easily in both directions and automatically return to the
disengaged position when released.
• Never operate the mower in wet grass. Always be sure of your footing. A slip
and fall can cause serious personal injury. If you feel you are losing your footing,
release the blade control handle immediately and the blade will stop rotating
within three seconds.
• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light. Walk, never run.
• Stop the blade when crossing gravel drives, walks or roads.
• If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine and
• check immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
• Shut the engine off and wait until the blade comes to a complete stop before
removing the grass catcher or unclogging the chute. The cutting blade
continues to rotate for a few seconds after the blade control is released.
• Never place any part of the body in the blade area until you are sure the blade
has stopped rotating.
• Never operate mower without proper trail shield, discharge cover, grass catcher,
blade control handle or other safety protective devices in place and working.
Never operate mower with damaged safety devices. Failure to do so can result
in personal injury.
• Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do not touch.
WARNING
This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed,
could endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read
and follow all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this
machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury.
When you see this symbol, HEED ITS WARNING!
WARNING
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components
contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
DANGER
This machine was built to be operated according to the safe operation practices
in this manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on
the part of the operator can result in serious injury. This machine is capable of
amputating fingers, hands, toes and feet and throwing debris. Failure to observe
the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.
WARNING
Your Responsibility—Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who
read, understand and follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and
on the machine.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
