Exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless,
deadly poison that can kill you. Do not run the
engine indoors or in an enclosed area.
•
Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual. Be thoroughly familiar
with the controls and the proper use of the mower
before starting.
•
Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating
parts. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all
times.
•
Only allow responsible individuals, who are familiar
with the instructions, to operate the mower.
•
Do not allow children or infirm persons to operate
the mower.
•
Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire,
bones, sticks etc, which could be picked up and
thrown by the blade.
•
Avoid striking solid objects with the blade. Never
deliberately mow over any object.
•
Be sure the area is clear of other people before
mowing. Stop mower if anyone enters the area.
•
Do not operate the mower when barefoot or wearing
open sandals. Always wear substantial foot wear.
•
Do not pull mower backwards unless absolutely
necessary. Look down and behind before and while
moving backwards.
•
Do not operate the mower without proper guards,
plates, grass catcher or other safety protective
devices in place.
•
Stop the engine when crossing gravel drives,
walks, or roads.
•
Stop the engine whenever you leave the
equipment, before cleaning the mower or
unclogging the chute.
•
Shut the engine off and wait until the blade comes
to complete stop before removing grass catcher.
•
Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
•
Do not operate the mower while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
•
Disengage the drive system, if so equipped, before
starting the engine.
•
Never operate mower in wet grass. Always be sure
of your footing; keep a firm hold on the handle and
walk; never run.
•
If the mower strikes an object or starts to vibrate,
immediately stop the engine, disconnect the
wire from the spark plug, and examine the mower
for damage.
•
Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with
side shields when operating mower.
•
Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine
running. Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keep
the wire away from the plug to prevent someone
from accidentally starting the engine.
•
Keep all nuts and bolts, especially blade
attachment bolts, tight and keep equipment in
good condition.
•
Never tamper with safety devices. Check their
proper operation regularly.
•
Keep mower free of grass, leaves, or other debris
build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage. Allow mower
to cool before storing.
•
Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an
object. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
•
Never attempt to make wheel height adjustments
while the engine is running.
•
Grass catcher components are subject to wear,
damage, and deterioration, which could expose
moving parts or allow objects to be thrown.
Frequently check components and replace with
genuine Pope parts, when necessary.
•
Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the
blade or wear gloves, and use extra caution when
servicing them.
•
Do not change the engine governor setting or over
speed the engine.
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.
•
Mow across the face of slopes; never up and
down. Exercise extreme caution when changing
direction on slopes.
•
Do not mow excessively steep slopes.
•
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or
embankments. The operator could lose footing or
balance.
Children
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert
to the presence of children. Children are often
attracted to the mower and the mowing activity.
Never assume that children will remain where you last
saw them.
•
Keep children out of the mowing area and under
the watchful care of a responsible adult.
•
Be alert and turn mower off if children enter
the area.
•
Before and while moving backwards, look behind
and down for small children.
•
Never allow children to operate the mower.
•
Use extra care when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees, or other objects that may
obscure vision.
5
Safety Instructions
Warning