4
Operation
•
Do not operate the engine in a confined space where
dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.
•
Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
•
Before attempting to start the engine, disengage all
blade attachment clutches and shift into neutral.
•
Do not use on slopes of more than
–
5
when mowing on side hills;
–
10
when mowing uphill;
–
15
when mowing downhill.
•
Remember there is no such thing as a safe slope. Travel
on grass slopes requires particular care. To guard
against overturning:
–
do not stop or start suddenly when going up or
downhill;
–
engage clutch slowly, always keep machine in gear,
especially when travelling downhill;
–
machine speeds should be kept low on slopes and
during tight turns;
–
stay alert for humps and hollows and other hidden
hazards;
–
never mow across the face of the slope, unless the
lawnmower is designed for this purpose.
•
Use care when pulling loads or using heavy equipment.
–
Use only approved drawbar hitch points.
–
Limit loads to those you can safely control.
–
Do not turn sharply. Use care when reversing.
–
Use counterweight(s) or wheel weights when
suggested in the instruction handbook.
•
Watch out for traffic when crossing or near roadways.
•
Stop the blades rotating before crossing surfaces other
than grass.
•
When using any attachments, never direct discharge of
material toward bystanders nor allow anyone near the
machine while in operation.
•
Never operate the machine with damaged guards or
without safety protective devices in place.
•
Do not change the engine governor settings or
overspeed the engine. Operating the engine at excessive
speed can increase the hazard of personal injury.
•
Before leaving the operator’s position:
–
disengage the power take-off and lower the
attachments;
–
change into neutral and set the parking brake;
–
stop the engine and remove the key.
•
Disengage drive to attachments, stop the engine, and
disconnect the spark plug wire(s) or remove the ignition
key
–
before clearing blockages or unclogging chute;
–
before checking, cleaning or working on the
lawnmower;
–
after striking a foreign object. Inspect the
lawnmower for damage and make repairs before
restarting and operating the equipment;
–
if the machine starts to vibrate abnormally (check
immediately).
•
Disengage drive to attachments when transporting or
not in use.
•
Stop the engine and disengage drive to attachment
–
before refuelling;
–
before removing the grass catcher;
–
before making height adjustment unless adjustment
can be made from the operator’s position.
•
Reduce the throttle setting during engine run-out and, if
the engine is provided with a shut-off valve, turn the
fuel off at the conclusion of mowing.
Maintenance and Storage
•
Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
•
Never store the equipment with fuel in the tank inside a
building where fumes can reach an open flame or spark.
•
Allow the engine to cool before storing in any
enclosure.
•
To reduce the fire hazard, keep the engine, silencer,
battery compartment and fuel storage area free of grass,
leaves, or excessive grease.
•
Check the grass catcher frequently for wear or
deterioration.
•
Replace worn or damaged parts for safety.
•
If the fuel tank has to be drained, this should be done
outdoors.
•
On multi-bladed machines, take care as rotating one
blade can cause other blades to rotate.
•
When machine is to be parked, stored or left
unattended, lower the cutting means unless a positive
mechanical lock is used.
