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6• PUTTING INTO SERVICE
6•1 BASIC SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR
NORMAL OPERATION
• Avoid working in any way that may affect safety!
• Before starting work, familiarise yourself with the site conditions.
These conditions include, e.g., obstacles in the working and circu-
lating area, the ground resistance and protection required between
the working area and public passages.
• Take the necessary measures so that the machine works completely
safely.
• Only start the machine when all safety and protection devices
(such as moveable protection devices, emergency stop, acoustic
insulation, suction devices) are in place and functional.
• Inspect the machine each time before use to detect any damage
and defects visible from the exterior! Immediately report any
change observed (including behaviour of the machine) to the com-
petent person/service! If necessary, stop the machine immediately
and make it safe!
• If running defectively, stop the machine and lock it! Have it repaired
immediately!
• Only start the machine from the position on the handle.
• During starting and stopping procedures, observe the control indi-
cators in accordance with the service manual!
• Before starting the machine, ensure that nobody can be endangered
by starting.
• Before starting the machine, always check that the accessories are
securely fitted to avoid an accident!
• Respect the Highway Code in force when the machine is used
on highways, paths and public places and, if necessary, bring the
machine into conformity with the Highway Code!
• Always drive at a sufficient distance from verges and slopes!
• Avoid working in any way that may affect the stability of the
machine!
• When you leave the machine, always chock it to prevent it from
moving and protect it from unauthorised use!
• Never run the engine in an enclosed area, where poisonous carbon
monoxide can build up.
• Only use the machine in daylight or with high quality artificial
lighting.
• If possible avoid using the machine when the grass is wet, or pay
special attention to avoid slipping.
• Always maintain a stable position on slopes. Only drive the
machine at walking pace. Always work transversally on slopes,
never by ascending and descending. Be particularly careful when
you change direction on a slope. Do not work on very steep
slopes. Be particularly careful when you have to turn the machine
or pull it toward you.
• Stop the work tools if the machine has to be tilted for transport.
• Stop the work tools when crossing ungrassed areas and when the
machine is transported outside or up to the area to treat.
• Never use the machine without the protection devices (e.g. anti-pro-
jection plates and/or collecting device) or with damaged protection
devices.
• Do not modify the original engine settings and do not increase the
engine speed.
• De-clutch all work tools and drive before starting the engine.
• Start or actuate the starter with care according to the manufactu-
rer’s instructions. Make sure your feet are sufficiently far from the
work tool(s).
• On starting the engine, the machine should not be tilted unless
necessary. In this case only tilt it if absolutely necessary and only
lift the side opposite to the user.
• Do not start the engine if you are in front of the ejection duct.
• Never place the hands or feet on or under rotating parts. Always
stay away from the discharge opening.
• Never lift or carry a machine with the engine running.
• Stop the engine, remove the spark plug lead and on machines with
battery start, remove the ignition key :
- before clearing blockages in the ejection duct,
- before checking, cleaning the machine or working on it,
- when a foreign body has been struck. Examine the machine to
ensure that it has not been damaged and carry out the necessary
repairs before starting again and using it,
- if the machine starts to vibrate abnormally (immediate inspec-
tion).
• Stop the engine, remove the spark plug lead and on machines with
battery start, remove the ignition key :
- when you leave the machine,
-
before filling with petrol.
• When the engine has stopped, close the choke. If the engine has a
fuel valve, close it.
