•
Stop on level ground, disengage drives, engage the
parking brake (if provided), shut off the engine before
leaving the operator's position for any reason, including
emptying the catchers or unclogging the chute.
•
Stop equipment and inspect the blades after striking
objects or if an abnormal vibration occurs. Make the
necessary repairs before resuming operations.
•
Keep your hands and feet away from the cutting unit.
•
Look behind and down before backing up to ensure a
clear path.
•
Keep pets and bystanders away from an operating
machine.
•
Slow down and use caution when making turns and
crossing roads and sidewalks. Stop the blades if you are
not mowing.
•
Be aware of the mower-discharge direction and do not
point it at anyone.
•
Do not operate the mower under the influence of alcohol
or drugs.
•
Use care when loading or unloading the machine into
or from a trailer or truck.
•
Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees,
or other objects that may obscure vision.
Safe Handling of Fuels
•
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 fuel container.
•
Do not remove the fuel cap or add fuel with the engine
running.
•
Allow the engine to cool before fueling.
•
Do not fuel the machine indoors.
•
Do not 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.
•
Do not fill containers inside a vehicle, on a truck, or on a
trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place containers on
the ground away from your vehicle before filling.
•
Remove equipment from the truck or trailer and fuel it
on the ground. If this is not possible, then add fuel with
such equipment as a portable container, rather than from
a fuel dispenser nozzle.
•
Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank
or container opening at all times until fueling is complete.
Do not use a nozzle lock open device.
•
If fuel is spilled on clothing, change your clothing
immediately.
•
Do not overfill fuel tank. Replace fuel cap and tighten
securely.
Maintenance and Storage
•
Disengage drives, set the parking brake, stop the engine,
and remove the key or disconnect spark-plug wire. Wait
for all movement to stop before adjusting, cleaning, or
repairing.
•
Clean grass and debris from the cutting unit, drives,
mufflers, and engine to help prevent fires.
•
Clean up oil or fuel spillage.
•
Let the engine cool before storing.
•
Do not store fuel near flames or drain indoors.
•
Do not allow untrained personnel to service machine.
•
Use jack stands to support components when required.
•
Carefully release pressure from components with stored
energy.
•
Disconnect the battery or remove the spark-plug wire
before making any repairs. Disconnect the negative
terminal first and the positive terminal last. Reconnect
the positive first and negative last.
•
Use care when checking the blades. Wrap the blade(s) or
wear gloves, and use caution when servicing them. Only
replace blades; do not straighten or weld them.
•
Keep hands and feet away from moving parts. If possible,
do not make adjustments with the engine running.
•
Keep all parts in good working condition and all hardware
tightened. Replace all worn or damaged decals.
Hauling
•
Use care when loading or unloading the machine into a
trailer or a truck.
•
Use full-width ramps for loading machine into a trailer
or a truck.
•
Tie the machine down securely using straps, chains, cable,
or ropes. Both front and rear straps should be directed
down and outward from the machine.
5
