User Manual

3
IMPORTANT!
Safety Instructions for
Walk-Behind Mowers
General Operation
• Read, understand and follow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual(s) before starting.
• Do not put hands or feet near or under the machine.
Always stay clear of the discharge opening.
• Keep guards in place and in proper working order.
• Only responsible adults who are familiar with the
instructions should be allowed to operate this machine.
• Clear the mowing area of foreign objects such as rocks,
wire, toys and other miscellaneous articles, which could
be picked up and thrown by the blade. Stay behind the
handle when the engine (motor) is running.
• Make sure that the mowing area is clear of bystanders
before starting the machine. Stop the machine if anyone
enters the area.
• Do not operate the machine barefooted or while wearing
sandals. Always wear substantial footwear.
• Always look down and behind before and while moving
backward with the mower.
• Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid
discharging material against a wall or other obstruction.
• Do not operate the machine without the entire grass
catcher, discharge guard, rear guard or other safety
protective devices in place and in proper working order.
• Never leave a running machine unattended.
• Stop the engine (motor) and wait until the blade comes to
a complete stop before cleaning the machine, removing
the grass catcher or unclogging the discharge guard.
• Operate the machine only in daylight or in good articial
light.
• Do not operate the machine when you are tired or under
the inuence of alcohol or drugs.
• Never operate the mower in wet grass. Always be sure of
your footing; walk, never run, with the mower.
• If the machine should start to vibrate abnormally, stop
the engine (motor) and immediately check the machine
to ascertain the cause. Vibration is generally a signal of
trouble.
• Keep blades sharp.
• Keep hands and feet away from the cutting area.
• Always wear eye protection when operating the machine.
• Objects struck by the lawn mower blade can cause severe
injuries. The mowing area should always be carefully
examined and cleared of all objects prior to each mowing.
• If the lawn mower strikes a foreign object, follow these
steps:
i) Stop the lawn mower by releasing the start/stop switch
bar lever.
ii) Unplug the power cord.
iii) Inspect for damage.
iv) Repair any damage before restarting and operating
the lawn mower.
• Only use identical replacement blades.
Slope Operation
Slopes are major factors related to slip and fall accidents,
which can result in severe injury. Operation on all slopes
requires extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not
mow it.
• Mow across the face of slopes; never mow slopes
following an up and down traverse. Exercise extreme
caution when changing direction on a slope.
• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks or other hidden
objects. These may cause an unexpected slip or fall.
• Do not mow on wet grass or excessively steep slopes.
Poor footing could cause a slip and fall accident.
• Do not mow near drop os, ditches or embankments. You
could lose your footing or balance.
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 mowing area and under the
watchful care of a responsible adult other than the
operator.
• Stay alert and turn the mower o if a child enters the area.
• Never let children operate the machine.
• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees or other objects that may block your view of a child.
Service
• Keep all nuts and bolts tight.
• Never tamper with safety devices. Regularly check to
ensure these devices are in place and in proper working
order.
• Keep the mower free from grass, leaves or other debris
buildup.
• If you strike a foreign object, stop and inspect the
machine. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
• Never make any adjustments or repairs with the engine
(motor) running. Always unplug electric mowers before
adjusting, cleaning or repairing.
• Check the grass catcher components and the discharge
guard frequently and replace with manufacturer’s
recommended parts when necessary.
• Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear gloves,
and use extra caution when servicing them.
• Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as
necessary.