For models with stated engine horsepower, the gross
horsepower of the engine was laboratory rated by the
engine manufacturer in accordance with SAE J1940.
As configured to meet safety, emission, and operating
requirements, the actual engine horsepower on this class
of lawn mower will be significantly lower.
Do not tamper with the engine controls or alter the
governor speed; doing so may create an unsafe condition
resulting in personal injury.
Safety
This lawn mower meets or exceeds the CPSC blade
safety requirements for walk-behind rotary lawn mowers
and the B71.1 specifications of the American National
Standards Institute in effect at the time of production.
Read and understand the contents of this manual
before you start the engine.
The safety alert symbol (Figure 2) is used to alert you
to potential personal injury hazards. Obey all safety
messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury
or death. Improperly using or maintaining this mower
could result in injury or death. To reduce this potential,
comply with the following safety instructions.
The following instructions have been adapted from the
ANSI/OPEI standard B71.1-2003.
This cutting machine is capable of amputating
hands and feet and of throwing objects. Failure
to observe the following safety instructions could
result in serious injury or death.
General Operation
•
Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual(s) before starting.
•
Do not put hands or feet near or under the machine.
Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.
•
Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with
the instructions, to operate this machine.
•
Clear the area of objects such as rocks, wire, toys,
etc., which could be thrown by the blade. Stay behind
the handle when the engine is running.
•
Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before
operating. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
•
Do not operate machine barefooted or while wearing
sandals. Always wear substantial footwear.
•
Do not pull machine backward unless absolutely
necessary. Always look down and behind before and
while moving backward.
•
Never direct discharged material toward anyone.
Avoid discharging material against a wall or
obstruction. Material may ricochet back toward
the operator. Stop the blade when crossing gravel
surfaces.
•
Do not operate machine without the entire grass
catcher, discharge guard, rear guard, or other safety
protective devices in place and working.
•
Never leave a running machine unattended.
•
Stop the engine and wait until the blade comes
to a complete stop before cleaning the machine,
removing grass catcher, or unclogging the discharge
guard.
•
Operate machine only in daylight or good artificial
light.
•
Do not operate machine while under the influence
of alcohol or drugs.
•
Never operate mower in wet grass. Always be sure
of your footing; walk; never run.
•
Disengage the drive system, if so equipped, before
starting the engine.
•
If the machine should start to vibrate abnormally,
stop the engine and check for the cause immediately.
Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
•
Always wear eye protection when operating machine.
•
Lightning can cause severe injury or death. If you see
lightning or hear thunder in the area, do not operate
the machine; seek shelter.
•
See manufacturer's instructions for proper operation
and installation of accessories. Only use accessories
approved by the manufacturer.
Slope Operation
Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents,
which can result in severe injury. Operation on all slopes
require extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do
not mow it.
•
Mow across the face of slopes; never up and down.
Exercise extreme caution when changing direction
on slopes.
•
Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden
objects. Uneven terrain could cause a slip and fall
accident. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
•
Do not mow on wet grass or excessively steep slopes.
Poor footing could cause a slip and fall accident.
•
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or
embankments. You could lose your footing or
balance.
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