
2
CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug
wire and place wire where it cannot contact
spark plug in order to prevent accidental
starting when setting up, transporting,
adjusting or making repairs.
Look for this symbol to point out im-
portant safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
CAUTION: Muffler and other engine parts
becomeextremelyhotduringoperationand
remain hot after engine has stopped. To
avoid severe burns on contact, stay away
from these areas.
Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Mowers
IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEETAND THROWING OBJECTS. FAILURE
TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
SAFETY RULES
WARNING: This lawn mower is equipped with an in-
ternal combustion engine and should not be used on or
near any unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered or
grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system
is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local
or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should
be maintained in effective working order by the operator.
A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your
nearest authorized service center.
WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents,
and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and related acces-
sories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known
to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects
or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual(s) before starting. Be
thoroughly 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 be picked 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.
• Donot pullmower backwardsunless absolutelyneces-
sary. Always look down and behind before and while
moving backwards.
• Never direct discharged material toward anyone.
Avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruc-
tion. Material may richochet back toward the operator.
Stop the blade when crossing gravel surfaces.
• 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.
• Shut the engine (motor) off and wait until the blade
comesto completestopbeforeremoving grasscatcher.
• 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.
• Disengagetheself-propelled mechanismordriveclutch
onmowerssoequippedbeforestartingtheengine(motor).
• 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 or safety 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. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.
DO:
• Mowacrossthefaceofslopes:neverupanddown. Exer-
ciseextremecautionwhenchangingdirection onslopes.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall grass can hide
obstacles.
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 mowonwet grass.Reducedfooting couldcause
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.
• Useextracare whenapproachingblindcorners,shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
WARNING: CHILDREN CAN BE INJURED BY THIS
EQUIPMENT. The American Academy of Pediatrics rec-
ommends that children be a minimum of 12 year of age
before operating a pedestrian controlled lawn mower and
a minimum of 16 years of age before operating a riding
lawn mower.