8
Caution during operation
During operation, blades, chains and belts are hidden by a cover, be sure to keep hands and fee t well
away. Touching these parts can cause serious injury such as the severing of hands and feet.
Do not operate the machine with the safety cover raised. There is a danger of injury and damage,
especially at the front of the machine, from rocks and other debris being thrown from the blades.
This machine is designed to minimize flying debris but there is the possibility of flying debris coming
out of the front cutting structure. For this reason, do not work under the assumption that debris cannot
fly out and hit people and property.
When mowing, always proceed forward in gear [1] or [2], never in reverse [R]. This not only decreases
the performance of the machine but also increases the likelihood of flying debris.
During operation, the rotating blades come right to the edge of the blade cover. Absolutely do not put
your hands inside the cover to try to clear weeds, etc. Taking precautions can avoid injury.
Do not raise the front cover while the blades are moving.
Before removing entangled weeds or other foreign objects from the blades, be sure to stop the engine
and remove the spark plug cord. Check that the blades have stopped moving before carefully
removing any entangled material.
Be sure that there are no people, animals or vehicles close by. When operati ng this machine, always
maintain a distance of 100 FEET between you and bystanders. If people or animals come near,
release the blade clutch and switch off the engine. Taking precautions can avoid injury and accidents.
For safety reasons, do not make sudden starts/stops or sharp turns.
Take care to move and turn the machine gently. Stop the blades when not cutting weeds or brush.
Taking precautions can avoid injury and accidents.
The person using this machine should always operate it from behind (handlebar side).When this
machine’s engine is running, do not stand in the path where you are cutting weeds or brush or try to cut
sideways. Talking precautions can avoid
injury and accidents.
If you notice any strange noises, smells or heat/vibrations during the op eration of this machine, switch
off the engine immediately, remove the spark plug cord and ensure that all movable parts have
completely stopped. Be sure to have the machine inspected for damage and obstructions and have
any damaged parts repaired.
Watch for holes in the ground and protruding tree roots. Also watch for obstructions that could be
hidden in long weeds or brush. The handlebars can be taken from your control, causing injury and
accidents.
Be careful when approaching blind corners, bushes, and trees which block your line of sight. Such
obstructions can hide children and animals from view.
Do not operate this machine in the direction of rivers and drop -offs, people and buildings. Accidents
can be caused by falls and collisions.
When moving the machine backwards, check that there are no people or obstacles behind you and
that you have a secure foothold. When reversing, there is a danger of being trapped between the
machine and a wall or falling from drop-offs.
Exercise caution when operating the m
achine alongside fences, buildings and trees. The machine’s
handlebars can be taken from your control if you come into contact with obstacles, possibly causing
injury and accidents.
Do not leave the machine unattended with the engine running. When leaving the machine unattended,
park on a flat surface with the engine switched off, put the speed change lever in [N] and confirm that
the parking brake is ON. Injury and accidents can be caused if the machine moves while unattended.
