3
Safe Operation Practices for Pe des tri an-Controlled Rotary Lawnmowers
IMPORTANT: 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.
• Stop the blade if the lawnmower has to be tilted for trans por ta tion
when crossing surfaces other than grass, and when transport-
ing the lawnmower to and from the area to be mowed.
• Never operate the lawnmower with defective guards, or without
safety devices, for example defl ectors and/or grass catchers,
in place.
• Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed
the engine. Operating the engine at excessive speed may
increase the hazard of personal injury.
• Disengage all blade and drive clutches before starting the
engine.
• Start the engine or switch on the motor carefully according to
instructions and with feet well away from the blade.
• Do not tilt the lawnmower when starting the engine or switch-
ing on the motor, except if the lawnmower has to be tilted for
starting. In this case, do not tilt more than absolutely nec es sary
and lift only the part which is away from the operator.
• Do not start the engine when standing in front of the discharge
chute.
• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep
clear of the discharge opening at all times.
• Never pick up or carry lawnmower while the engine is running.
• Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire:
- before cleaning blockages or unclogging chute;
- before checking, cleaning or working on the lawnmower;
- after striking a foreign object. Inspect the lawnmower for
damage and make repairs before re start ing and op er at ing
the lawnmower;
- if the lawnmower starts to vibrate abnormally (check im-
me di ate ly).
• Stop the engine:
- whenever you leave the lawnmower;
- before refuelling.
• Reduce the throttle setting during engine shut down and, if
the engine is provided with a shut-off valve, turn the fuel off
at the conclusion of mowing.
• Go slow when using a trailing seat.
IV. Maintenance and Storage
• Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the equip ment
is in safe working condition.
• Never store the equipment with petrol in the tank inside a
building where fumes may reach an open fl ame or spark.
• Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.
• To reduce the fi re hazard, keep the engine, silencer, battery
compartment and petrol storage area free of grass, leaves,
or excessive grease.
• Check the grass catcher frequently for wear or de te ri o ra tion.
• Replace worn or damaged parts for safety.
• If the fuel tank has to be drained, this should be done outdoors.
I. Training
• Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the con trols
and the proper use of the equipment.
• Never allow children or people unfamiliar with the ins truc tions
to use the lawnmower. Local regulations may restrict the age
of the operator.
• Never mow while people, especially children, or pets are
nearby.
• Keep in mind that the operator or user is responsible for acci-
dents or hazards occurring to other people or their prop er ty.
II. Preparation
• While mowing, always wear substantial footwear and long
trousers. Do not operate the equipment when barefoot or
wearing open sandals.
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be
used and remove all objects which may be thrown by the
machine.
• WARNING - Petrol is highly fl ammable.
- Store fuel in containers specifi cally de signed for this pur-
pose.
- Refuel outdoors only and do not smoke while re fu el ing.
- Add fuel before starting the engine. Never remove the cap
of the fuel tank or add petrol while the engine is running or
when the en gine is hot.
- If petrol is spilled, do not attempt to start the engine but
move the machine away from the area of spillage and avoid
cre at ing any source of ig ni tion until petrol va pors have dis-
si pat ed.
- Replace all fuel tanks and container caps se cure ly.
• Replace faulty silencers.
• Before using, always visually inspect to see that the blades,
blade bolts and cutter assembly are not worn or damaged.
Replace worn or damaged blades and bolts in sets to pre serve
balance.
• On multi-bladed machines, take care as rotating one blade
can cause other blades to rotate.
III. Operation
• Do not operate the engine in a confi ned space where dan ger ous
carbon monoxide fumes can collect.
• Mow only in daylight or in good artifi cial light.
• Avoid operating the equipment in wet grass, where feasible.
• Always be sure of your footing on slopes.
• Walk, never run.
• For wheeled rotary machines, mow across the face of slopes,
never up and down.
• Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on
slopes.
• Do not mow excessively steep slopes.
• Use extreme caution when reversing or pulling the lawnmower
towards you.
