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Under California law, and under the laws of several other states, you are not permitted to operate an
internal combustion engine using hydrocarbon fuels on any forest covered, brush covered, or grass
covered land, or on land covered with grain, hay, or other flammable agricultural crop, without an en-
gine spark arrestor in continuous effective working order.
The engine on your power equipment, like most outdoor power equipment, is an internal combustion engine that burns
gasoline, a hydrocarbon fuel. Therefore, your power equipment must be equipped with a spark arrestor muffler in continu-
ous effective working order. The spark arrester must be attached to the engine exhaust system in such a manner that flames
or heat from the system will not ignite flammable material. Failure of the owner/operator of the equipment to comply with
this regulation is a misdemeanor under California law, and may also be a violation of other state and/or federal regulations,
laws, ordinances, or codes. Contact your local fire marshal or forest service for specific information about what regulations
apply in your area.
SPARK ARRESTER WARNING TO RESIDENTS OF CALIFORNIA AND SEVERAL OTHER STATES
General Operation
IMPORTANT
Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Mowers
This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the
following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.
1. Read, understand, and follow all
instructions on the machine and in the
manuals. Be thoroughly familiar with
the controls and the proper use of the
equipment before starting.
2. Do not put
hands or feet near or
under rotating parts.
Keep clear of the ro-
tating trimmer head
and line at all times.
3. Only allow responsible adults,
who are familiar with the instructions,
to operate the trimmer/mower. Never
let children or untrained adults oper-
ate this equipment.
4. Inspect the area where the ma-
chine is to be used. The machine can
propel small objects at high speed,
causing personal injury or property
damage. Clear the area of objects
such as rocks, toys, wire, bones,
sticks, etc., which could be picked up
and thrown by the trimmer line.
5. Be sure the area is clear of other
people (particularly small children and
pets) before mowing. Stop machine if
anyone enters the area. Keep by-
standers at least 50 feet from the area
of operation.
6. Do not operate the machine when
barefoot or wearing open sandals.
Always wear substantial footwear.
7. Wear appropriate clothing such as
a long-sleeved shirt or jacket. Also
wear long trousers or slacks. Do not
wear shorts.
8. Do not wear loose clothing– it
could catch in the equipment.
9. Do not mow in reverse unless
absolutely necessary. Always look
down and behind before and while
moving backwards.
10. Do not operate the trimmer/mower
without proper guards, plates, or other
protective safety devices in place.
11. Refer to provided instructions for
proper operation and installation of ac-
cessories. Only use factory-approved
accessories.
12. Stop trimmer head when crossing
gravel drives, walks, or roads. Wait for
trimmer lines to stop.
13. Stop engine and discon-
nect spark plug wire from
spark plug whenever you
leave the unit, clean
the equipment, or
replace trimmer line.
Remove key on electric start model.
14. Wait until the trimmer head comes
to a complete stop, shut the engine off,
and disconnect the spark plug wire
before installing or removing trimmer
line. Be sure trimmer head is securely
attached before operating equipment.
15. Mow only during daylight hours or
when good artificial light is available.
16. Do not operate the machine while
under the influence of alcohol or drugs,
or when tired or ill.
17. Never operate this equipment in
wet grass. Be sure of your footing; keep
a firm hold on the handlebar and walk;
never run.
18. Release the Trimmer Head Control
Bail before starting the engine.
19. If the unit starts to vibrate abnor-
mally, stop the engine and disconnect
the spark plug wire. Check immedi-
ately for the cause. Vibration is gener-
ally a warning of trouble.
Safety
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