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Copyright © 2013 MAT Engine Technologies, LLC
ENG - 4
Important Safety Information
Important Safety Information
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DANGER
Carbon Monoxide. Using an engine indoors can kill you in minutes. Engine exhaust contains high levels of car-
bon monoxide (CO), a poisonous gas you cannot see or smell. You may be breathing CO even if you do not smell
engine exhaust.
DANGER
The mower is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Read and follow all warnings and safety instruc-
tions on the mower and in this manual. Failure to do so can result in serious injury or death to you or bystanders.
WARNING
In order to prevent accidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs, always disconnect spark
plug wire and place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug.
CAUTION
Muffler and other engine parts become extremely hot during operation and remain hot after engine has stopped. To avoid
severe burns on contact, stay away from these areas.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual(s) before starting. Be thoroughly
familiar with the controls and the proper use of the
machine before starting.
• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.
Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.
• Only allow responsible individuals, who are familiar with
the instructions, to operate the machine.
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, bones,
sticks, etc., which could be picked up and thrown by blade.
• Be sure the area is clear of other people, particularly
small children, before mowing. Stop machine if anyone
enters the area.
• Do not operate the mower when barefoot or wearing
open sandals. Always wear substantial foot wear.
• Do not pull mower backwards unless absolutely necessary.
Always look down and behind before and while moving
backwards.
• Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid
discharging material against a wall or obstruction. Material
may ricochet back toward the operator.
• Do not operate the mower without proper guards, plates,
grass catcher or other safety protective devices in place.
• See manufacturer’s instructions for proper operation and
installation of accessories. Only use accessories
approved by the manufacturer.
• Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads.
• Stop the engine (motor) whenever you leave the equipment,
before cleaning the mower or unclogging the chute.
• Shut the engine (motor) off and wait until the blade
comes to complete stop before removing grass catcher
or accessories.
• Do not operate the machine while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
• Never operate machine in wet grass. Always be sure of
your footing: keep a firm hold on the handle; walk, never run.
• Disengage the self-propelled mechanism or drive clutch
on mowers so equipped before starting the engine.
• If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, stop
the engine (motor) and check immediately for the cause.
Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
• Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side
shields when operating mower.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
WARNING
Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents,
which can result in severe injury. Operation on all slopes
requires extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not
mow it.
• If a slope is greater than 15° do not mow. Use the Slope
Guide
inside this manual to measure slopes before
operating this mower on a slope or hilly area.
• Mow across the face of slopes; never up and down. Exercise
extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden
objects. Uneven terrain could cause a slip and fall
accident. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
• Do not mow on wet grass or excessively steep slopes.
Poor footing could cause a slip and fall accident.
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.
You could lose your footing or balance.
• If you do lose your balance, release the handle and blade
control lever immediately.