2
3353-550 Rev A
General Operation
•
Read, understand, and follow all instructions on
the machine and in the manual(s) before starting.
•
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.
•
Clear the area of objects such as rocks, wire,
toys, etc., which could be thrown by the blade.
Stay behind the handle when the engine (motor)
is running.
•
Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before
operating. Stop machine if anyone enters the
area.
•
Do not operate machine barefooted or while
wearing sandals. Always wear substantial
footwear.
•
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.
•
Do not operate machine without the entire grass
catcher, discharge guard, rear guard, or other
safety protective devices in place and working.
•
Never leave a running machine unattended.
•
Stop the engine and wait until the blade comes to
a complete stop before cleaning the machine,
removing grass catcher, or unclogging the
discharge guard.
•
Operate machine only in daylight or good artificial
light.
•
Do not operate machine while under the influence
of alcohol or drugs.
•
Never operate mower in wet grass. Always be
sure of your footing; walk; 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.
•
Always wear eye protection when operating
machine.
•
See manufacturer’s instructions for proper
operation and installation of accessories. Only
use accessories approved by the manufacturer.
Slope Operation
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.
•
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.
Children
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert
to the presence of children. Children are often
attracted to the machine and the mowing activity.
Never
assume that children will remain where you
last saw them.
•
Keep children out of the mowing area and under
the watchful care of a responsible adult other
than the operator.
•
Be alert and turn mower off if a child enters the
area.
•
Never allow children to operate the machine.
•
Use extra care when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees, or other objects that may block
your view of a child.
Service
Safe Handling of Gasoline
To avoid personal injury or property damage, use
extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is
extremely flammable and the vapors are
explosive.
•
Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other
sources of ignition.
•
Use only an approved gasoline container.
•
Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allow engine to cool before refueling.
•
Never refuel the machine indoors.
•
Never store the machine or fuel container where
there is an open flame, spark, or pilot light such
as on a water heater or on other appliances.
