4
General Operation
NOTE: Determine the left and right sides of the
machine from the normal operating position
• Read, understand, and follow all instructions on
the
machine and in the manual(s) before starting.
Keep this manual in a safe place for future and
regular reference.
• Do not operate machine without the entire grass
catcher, proper guards, plates or other safety
protective
devices securely in place and working.
• See manufacturer’s instructions for proper
operation and
installation of accessories. Only use
accessories approved
by the manufacturer.
• Do not put hands or feet near or under the
machine.
• Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.
• Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar
with the
instructions, to operate this machine.
• Never leave a running machine unattended.
• Be sure the area is clear of people and pets before
operating. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, sticks,
toys, wire, etc., which could be thrown by the
blade. Stay behind the
handle when the engine is
running.
• Always wear substantial footwear while operating.
Never operate the machine barefooted or while
wearing
sandals or open toes shoes.
• Always wear protective eyewear (safety googles/
safety glasses with side shields) while operating
machine.
• Shorts should not be worn while operating.
Read and understand the contents of this manual
before
you start the engine.
Obey all safety messages
that follow this symbol
to avoid possible injury or death.
Improperly using
or maintaining this mower could result in
injury
or death. To reduce this potential, comply with the
following safety instructions.
The following instructions have been adapted
from the
ANSI/OPEI standard B71.1-2003.
This cutting machine is capable of amputating
hands
and feet and of throwing objects.
Failure to observe
the following safety
instructions could result in serious
injury or
death.
Safety
• Do not pull machine backward unless absolutely
necessary. Always look down and behind before
and
while moving backward.
• Never direct discharged material toward
anyone. Avoid
discharging material against a wall
or obstruction. Material may ricochet back toward
the operator. Stop the
blade when crossing gravel
surfaces.
• Operate machine only in daylight or good
articial light.
• Never operate machine while under the inuence
of
alcohol or drugs.
• Never operate mower in wet grass. Always be sure
of
your footing; always walk while keeping a rm
hold on the handle; never run.
• Disengage the drive system, if so equipped, before
starting the engine.
• If the machine should start to vibrate abnormally,
stop
the engine and check for the cause
immediately. Vibration
is generally a warning of
trouble.
• Lightning can cause severe injury or death. If you
see
lightning or hear thunder in the area, do not
operate the
machine; seek shelter.
• Stop the engine and wait until the blade comes to
a
complete stop before cleaning the machine,
removing
grass catcher, or unclogging the
discharge guard.
Warning: Slopes are a major factor related to slip
and fall accidents, which can result in severe injury.
Operation on 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 on wet grass or excessively steep
slopes. Poor footing could cause a slip and fall
accident.
•
Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, exposed
roots or other hidden
objects. Uneven
terrain could cause a slip and fall
accident.
Tall grass can hide obstacles.
•
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or
embankments. You could lose your footing or
balance.
Slope Operation
