SAFETY RULES
i_ Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Mowers
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TOOBSERVETHE FOLLOWINGSAFETY INSTRUCTIONSCOULDRESULTIN SERIOUSINJURYOR DEATH.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and fellow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual(s) before starting. Be thor-
oughly familiar with the controls and the proper use of
the machine 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 machine.
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire,
bones, sticks, etc., which could bepicked up and thrown
by the blade.
• Be sure the area is clear of other people before mow-
ing. Stop machine 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 nec-
essary. Always 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.
• See manufacturer's instructions for proper operation
and installation of accessories. Only use accessories
approved by the manufacturer.
• Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks,
or roads.
• Stop the engine (motor) whenever you leave the equip-
ment, before cleaning the mower or unclogging the
chute.
• Shuttheengine (motor) offand wait untiltheblade comes
to complete stop before removing grass catcher.
• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
• Do not operate the machine while under the influence
of alcohol or drugs.
• Never operate machine in wet grass. Always be sure of
your footing: keep a firm hold on the handle and walk;
never run.
• Disengage theself-propelled mechanism or drive clutch
on mowers soequipped before starting the engine (mo-
tor).
• If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally,
stop the engine (motor) and check immediately for the
cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
• Always wear safety goggles orsafety glasses with side
shields when operating mower.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents
which can result in severe injury. All slopes require extra
caution. Ifyou feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.
DO:
• Mow across the face ofslopes:never upand down. Exer-
cise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall grass can hide
obstacles. 2
DO NOT:
• Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or embankments.
The operator could lose footing or balance.
• Do not trim excessively steep slopes.
• Donot mow on wet grass. Reduced footing could cause
slipping.
III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to
the presence of children. Children are often attracted to
the machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that
children will remain where you last saw them.
• Keep children out of the trimming area and under the
watchful care of another responsible adult.
• Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the
area.
• Before and while walking backwards, look behind and
down for small children.
• Never allow children to operate the machine.
• Use extracare when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
IV. SERVICE
• Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels.
They are flammable and vapors are explosive.
- Use only an approved container.
- Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allow engine to cool before refueling.
Do not smoke.
- Never refuel the machine indoors.
- Never store the machine or fuel container inside
where there is an open flame, such as a water
heater.
• Never run a machine inside a closed area.
• Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine
(motor) running. Disconnect the spark plug wire, and
keep the wire away from the plug to prevent accidental
starting.
• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachement
bolts, tight and keep equipment in good condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris
build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to
cool before storing.
• Stop and inspect the equipment ifyou strike an object.
Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
• Never attempt to make wheel height adjustments while
the engine (motor) is running.
• Grass catcher components are subject to wear, dam-
age, and deterioration, which could expose moving
parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check
components and replace with manufacturer's recom-
mended parts, when necessary.
• Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s)
or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing
them.
• Donotchangethe engine governor setting or overspeed
the engine.
