4
• Do not pull machine backward unless
absolutely necessary. Always look down and
behind before and while moving backward.
• Never direct discharged material toward
anyone. Avoid discharging material against
a wall or obstruction. Material may ricochet
back toward the operator. Stop the blade when
crossing gravel surfaces.
• Operate machine only in daylight or good
artificial light.
• Never operate machine while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Never operate mower in wet grass. Always be
sure of your footing; always walk while
keeping a firm hold on the handle; never run.
• Disengage the drive system, if so equipped,
before starting the engine.
• If the machine should start to vibrate
abnormally, stop the engine and check for the
cause immediately. Vibration is generally a
warning of trouble.
• Lightning can cause severe injury or death. If
you see lightning or hear thunder in the area,
do not operate the machine; seek shelter.
• Stop the engine and wait until the blade
comes to a complete stop before cleaning the
machine, removing grass catcher, or unclog-
ging the discharge guard.
Warning: Slopes are a major factor related to slip
and fall accidents, which can result in severe injury.
Operation on all slopes require extra caution. If you
feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.
•
Mow across the face of slopes; never up and
down. Exercise extreme caution when changing
direction on slopes.
•
Do not mow on wet grass or excessively steep
slopes. Poor footing could cause a slip and fall
accident.
•
Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, exposed roots
or other hidden objects. Uneven
terrain could cause a slip and fall accident. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
•
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or
embankments. You could lose your footing or
balance.
Read and understand the contents of this manual
before you start the engine.
Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol
to avoid possible injury or death. Improperly using
or maintaining this mower could result in injury
or death. To reduce this potential, comply with the
following safety instructions.
The following instructions have been adapted
from the ANSI/OPEI standard B71.1-2003.
This cutting machine is capable of amputating
hands and feet and of throwing objects.
Failure to observe the following safety
instructions could result in serious injury or
death.
Safety
Slope Operation
General Operation
NOTE: Determine the left and right sides of the
machine from the normal operating position
• Read, understand, and follow all instructions on
the machine and in the manual(s) before
starting. Keep this manual in a safe place for
future and regular reference.
• Do not operate machine without the entire grass
catcher, proper guards, plates or other safety
protective devices securely in place and
working.
• See manufacturer’s instructions for proper
operation and installation of accessories. Only
use accessories approved by the manufacturer.
• Do not put hands or feet near or under the
machine.
• Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.
• Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar
with the instructions, to operate this machine.
• Never leave a running machine unattended.
• Be sure the area is clear of people and pets
before operating. Stop machine if anyone enters
the area.
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, sticks,
toys, wire, etc., which could be thrown by the
blade. Stay behind the handle when the engine
is running.
• Always wear substantial footwear while
operating. Never operate the machine
barefooted or while wearing sandals or open
toes shoes.
• Always wear protective eyewear (safety googles/
safety glasses with side shields) while
operating dnot be worn while operating.
