SAFE MOWING GUIDE
6
F–040700C
mower was completely assembled at the
store, you must still check the mower
according to the assembly instructions.
Make sure the mower is correctly
assembled and that all fasteners are tight.
Make sure the engine has the correct
amount of oil. Check these items often
during the life of the mower.
Your mower has a gasoline engine.
Gasoline is a dangerous fuel. Keep
gasoline only in an approved safety
gasoline container. Do not keep large
amounts of gasoline. When you add
gasoline to the fuel tank, do not smoke.
Store the gasoline container and the
mower in an area that has good ventilation.
Also, keep the gasoline away from any
flames like the pilot light of a furnace or
any other source of ignition. If the mower is
to be stored for more than a few weeks,
remove the gasoline from the fuel tank.
When inside an enclosure, do not add
gasoline to the fuel tank. Before you add
gasoline, move the mower outside and add
gasoline carefully. Before you start the
engine, remove any gasoline from the
outside of the fuel tank or from the mower.
Warm gasoline will expand. Leave some
space in the fuel tank for the gasoline to
expand. Also, the fuel cap has a vent hole
for fuel vapors. Always use the correct fuel
cap. Failure to follow safety rules about
gasoline will cause fires and explosions,
injury to you and damage to the equipment
and other property.
If you add gasoline to an engine that is
running or hot, the result can be an
explosion. Before you add gasoline, stop
the engine and let the engine cool for
several minutes. Remove dry grass and
other debris from the mower. Keep the
mower clean to improve the performance,
help the engine and transmission run
cooler, extend the life of moving parts, and
decrease the danger of a fire.
Fires and explosions are not the only
dangers when working around a mower.
The engine, transmission, and the muffler
will get hot in several minutes when the
engine is running. Do not touch these parts
of the mower. Stop the engine. Let the
engine and transmission cool before
servicing the mower. Remember, exhaust
fumes are dangerous. Never operate the
engine inside a building.
When you get a new mower, it can be a
new experience for the family. Tell each
person how a mower can be dangerous.
Remember, a mower is not a toy. A mower
is not to be used by children or anyone not
old enough, strong enough or that does not
have experience.
If the mower is not correctly assembled,
not operated correctly, or not regularly
serviced, the mower can be dangerous.
The most important rule to follow is always
use good judgement and common sense.
Mow safely and carefully.
Your mower will easily cut thick grass.
Fingers, feet and other parts can also be
cut by the blade. Injuries occur when the
operator does not think and reaches into
the chute opening. Always operate the
mower as if the blade is rotating. Do not
service or make an adjustment, except to
the carburetor, while the engine is running.
Use only accessories that are factory
approved for your mower. The wrong
accessory can decrease the safety of the
mower and can even damage the unit.
Read and follow the instructions included
with the accessory and the mower.
Use only original equipment or
replacement parts that are factory
approved for service. If you need service,
select an Authorized Service Center for
your mower. If you do the work on the unit,
follow the instructions in the Instruction
Book.
When you mow, remember that children
are attracted to the mower. Always use
caution when mowing around obstacles
like trees or shrubs or when moving
backward. Only mow in a forward direction
if possible. Your visibility is decreased
when you mow backward. Also, the blades
are made to cut while the unit is moving
forward. If you mow backward, the cutting
performance decreases.
Before you leave the mower, stop the
engine. Remove the key. Disengage and
lower any attachment. Set the parking
brake. Never mount or dismount from the
seat while the engine is running. An
accident can occur if you touch the brake,
shift lever, throttle, clutch or blade control
while the engine is running. Mount and
dismount from the seat on the side of the
unit that is marked ENTER–EXIT.
Make sure you are in good condition when
you mow. When you mow for several hours
your reflexes will decrease and your mind
will not be as alert. Take a short break or
an accident can occur. If the temperature is
hot, use caution to prevent dehydration. If
you are tired, angry or not completely alert,
do not operate the mower. If you use
alcohol, medication or drugs, do not use
the mower or any type of power
equipment.
Engine speed is a key to safe mowing and
to a good looking lawn. The maximum
speed of the engine was set at the factory.
Do not change the setting of the engine
governor.
Select the maximum engine and ground
speed that is right for the terrain and the
height of the grass. The blade cuts best
when the engine is operating at maximum
speed. The engine and transmission will
also run cooler at maximum engine speed.
