Makita PLM4815 Operator'S Manual Download

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SAFETY REGULATIONS

TO BE FOLLOWED CAREFULLY

1) Read the instructions carefully. Get familiar with the con-
trols and proper use of the equipment. Learn how to stop the
engine quickly.
2) Only use the lawnmower for the purpose for which it was
designed, i.e. for cutting and collecting grass. Any other use
can be hazardous, causing damage to the machine. Examples
of improper use may include, but are not limited to:
– transport of people, children or animals on the machine;
– being transported by the machine;
– using the machine to tow or push loads;
– using the machine for leaf or debris collection;
– using the machine to trim hedges, or for cutting vegetation

other than grass;

– use of the machine by more than one person;
– using the blade on surfaces other than grass.
3) Never allow children or people unfamiliar with these instruc-
tions to use the lawnmower. Local regulations may restrict the
age of the operator.
4) Never use the lawnmower:
– When people, especially children, or pets are nearby.
– If the operator has taken medicine or substances that can
affect his ability to react and concentrate.
5) Remember that the operator or user is responsible for acci-
dents or hazards occurring to other people or their property.

1) While mowing, always wear sturdy footwear and long
trousers. Do not operate the equipment when barefoot or
wearing open sandals.
2) Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be
used and remove all objects which may be thrown by the ma-
chine or damage the cutter assembly and the engine (stones,
sticks, metal wire, bones, etc.)
3) WARNING: DANGER! Engine fuel is highly flammable:
– Store fuel in containers specifically designed for this pur-

pose.

– Refuel using a funnel and outdoors only. Do not smoke

while refuelling or whenever handling the fuel.

– Add fuel before starting the engine. Never remove the cap of

the fuel tank or add fuel while the engine is running or when
the engine is hot.

– If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to start the engine but move

the machine away from the area of spillage and avoid crea-
ting any source of ignition until the fuel has evaporated and
the vapour dispersed.

– Replace all fuel tanks and containers caps securely.
4) Substitute faulty silencers.
5) Before use, always inspect the machine, especially the
condition of the blades, and check that the screws and cut-
ting assembly are not worn or damaged. Replace worn or
damaged blades and screws in sets to preserve balance.
6) Before mowing, attach the discharge opening guards (grass-
catcher or stone-guard).

1) Do not operate the engine in a confined space where dange-
rous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.
2) Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
3) If possible, avoid operating the equipment in wet grass.
4) Always be sure of your footing on slopes.
5) Walk, never run and do not allow yourself to be pulled along
by the lawnmower.
6) Mow across the face of slopes, never up and down.
7) Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slo-
pes.
8) Do not mow on slopes of more than 20°.
9) Exercise extreme caution when pulling the lawnmower to-
wards you.
10) Stop the blade if the lawnmower has to be tilted for trans-
portation when crossing surfaces other than grass, and when
transporting the lawnmower to and from the area to be mowed.

C) OPERATION

B) PREPARATION

A) TRAINING

11) Never operate the lawnmower with defective guards, or
without safety devices, such as the stone-guard and/or grass-
catcher, in place.
12) Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed
the engine.
13) On power-driven models, disengage the drive clutch before
starting the engine.
14) Start the engine carefully, following the instructions and
keeping feet well away from the blade.
15) Do not tilt the lawnmower when starting the engine. Start
the engine on a flat surface that is free of obstacles and tall
grass.
16) Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.
Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.
17) Never pick up or carry a lawnmower while the engine is run-
ning.
18) Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire:
– Before carrying out any work underneath the cutting deck or

before unclogging the chute;

– Before checking, cleaning or working on lawnmower;
– After striking a foreign object. Inspect the lawnmower for da-

mage and make repairs before restarting and operating the
lawnmower;

– If the lawnmower begins to abnormally vibrate (Immediate

look for the cause of the vibrations and take for necessary
controls at a Specialised Centre).

19) Stop the engine:
– Whenever you leave the lawnmower unattended. Remove

the key from models with electric starters.

– Before refuelling.
– Every time you remove or replace the grass-catcher.
– Before adjusting the grass cutting height.
20) Reduce the throttle before turning off the engine and turn
the fuel off when you have finished mowing, following the in-
structions in the engine handbook.
21) When mowing, always keep to a safe distance from the ro-
tating blade. This distance is the length of the handle.

1) Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the equip-
ment is in safe working condition. Regular maintenance is es-
sential for safety and performance.
2) Never store the equipment with fuel in the tank inside a
building where vapour may reach a flame or a spark or a source
of extreme heat.
3) Allow the engine to cool before storing in an enclosed space.
4) To reduce the fire hazard, keep the engine, exhaust silen-
cer, battery compartment and fuel storage area free of
grass, leaves, or excessive grease. Do not leave containers
with grass cuttings in rooms.
5) Check the stone-guard and grass-catcher frequently for
wear and deterioration.
6) If the fuel tank has to be drained, this should be done out-
doors and when the engine is cool.
7) Wear strong work gloves when removing and reassembling
the blade.
8) Keep the blade balanced during sharpening. All opera-
tions on the blade (dismantling, sharpening, balancing, re-
mounting and/or replacing) require a certain familiarity and
special tools. For safety reasons, these jobs are best carried
out at a specialized centre.
9) For safety reasons, never use the machine when it has
worn or damaged parts. Parts are to be replaced and not
repaired. Use genuine spare parts. Parts that are not of the
same quality can damage the equipment and impair your
safety.

1) Whenever the machine is to be handled, raised, transported
or tilted you must:
– wear strong working gloves;
– grasp the machine at the points that offer a safe grip, taking

account of the weight and its distribution.

– use an appropriate number of people for the weight of the

machine and the characteristics of the vehicle or the place
where it has to be placed or collected.

2) During transport, fasten the machine securely with ropes or
chains.

E) TRANSPORTATION AND HANDLING

D) MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE