Weed Eater 186778, Owner'S Manual

2

I. GENERAL OPERATION 

•     Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the 

manual and on the machine before starting.

•         Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the 

in struc tions, to operate the machine.

•         Clear the area of objects such as  rocks, toys, wire, etc.,  

which could be picked up and thrown by the blade.

•      Be sure the area is clear of other people before mow-

 ing.  Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

•      Never carry passengers.
•     Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.  

Always look down and behind before and while back-
 ing.

•      Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not 

point it at anyone.  Do not operate the mower without 
either the entire grass catcher or the guard in place.

•      Slow down before turning.
•     Never leave a running machine unattended.  Always 

turn off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and 
remove keys before dismounting.

•      Turn off blades when not mowing.
•     Stop engine before removing grass catcher or un-

 clog ging chute.

•      Mow only in daylight or good artifi cial light.
•      Do not operate the machine while under the infl uence 

of alcohol or drugs.

•      Watch for traffi c when operating near or crossing road-

 ways.

•      Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine 

into a trailer or truck.

•         Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above, 

are involved in a large percentage of riding mower-re-
lated injuries.  These operators should evaluate their 
ability to operate the riding mower safely enough to 
protect them selves and others from serious injury.

•     Keep machine free of grass , leaves or other debris 

build-up which can touch hot exhaust / engine parts 
and burn. Do not allow the mower deck to plow leaves
or other debris which can cause build-up to occur. 
Clean any oil or fuel spillage before operating or 
storing the machine. Allow machine to cool before
storage.

II. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tipover 
accidents, which can result in severe injury or death.  All slopes 
require extra caution.  If you cannot back up the slope or if you 
feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.

DO:

•      Mow up and down slopes, not across.
•      Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
•      Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps.  Uneven terrain could 

overturn the machine.  

Tall grass can hide obstacles.

•     Use slow speed.  Choose a low gear so that you will 

not have to stop or shift while on the slope.

•      Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for wheel 

weights or counterweights to improve stability.

•         Use extra care with grass catchers or other at tach ments.  

These can change the stability of the machine.

•     Keep all movement on the slopes 

slow and gradual.  

Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction.

•      Avoid starting or stopping on a slope.  If tires lose trac-

tion,  disengage the blades and proceed slowly 

straight 

down the slope.

SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES FOR RIDE-ON MOWERS

IMPORTANT: 

 THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROW ING OBJECTS.  FAILURE 

TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

SAFETY RULES

DO  NOT:
•        

Do not  turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, 
turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.

•        

Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.  
The mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over 
the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.

•        

Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could 
cause sliding.

•        

Do not  try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot 
on the ground.

•        

Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.

III. CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to 
the presence of children.  Children are often attracted to 
the ma chine 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 another responsible adult.

•     Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the 

area.

•     Before and when backing, look behind and 

down for 

small children. 

•         Never carry children.  They may fall off and be seriously 

injured or interfere with safe machine operation.

•      Never allow children to operate the machine.
•      Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, 

trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.

IV. SERVICE

•     Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels.  

They are fl ammable and vapors are explosive.
-  Use only an approved container.
-  Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine 

running.  Allow engine to cool before refueling.  Do 
not smoke.

-  Never refuel the machine indoors.
-  Never store the machine or fuel container inside where 

there is an open fl ame, such as a water heater.

•      Never run a machine inside a closed area.
•         Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, 

tight and keep equipment in good condition.

•      Never tamper with safety devices.  Check their proper 

op er a tion regularly.

•      Keep  machine  free  of  grass,  leaves,  or  other  debris 

build-up.  Clean oil or fuel spillage.  Allow machine to 
cool before storing.

•      Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object.  

Repair, if necessary, before restarting.

•     Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine 

run ning.

•      Grass catcher components are subject to wear, dam-

 age, and deterioration, which could expose moving 
parts or allow objects to be thrown.  Frequently check 
com po nents and replace with manufacturer's rec om -
mend ed parts, when nec es sary.

•         Mower blades are sharp and can cut.  Wrap the blade(s) 

or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing 
them.

•      Check brake operation frequently.  Adjust and service 

as required.