7
Do not operate the machine while under the influence of drugs,
alcohol, or any medication that could affect your ability to use it
properly.
Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-fitting slacks and
shirts. Shirts and pants that cover the arms and legs and steel
toed shoes are recommended. Never operate this machine in
bare feet, sandals, slippery or lightweight (e.g. canvas) shoes.
Protect eyes, face, and head from objects that may be thrown
from the unit. Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with
side shields when operating and while performing an adjustment
or repair.
Always use approved ear protection while you operate the
product. Noise for a long period can cause noise-induced hearing
loss.
Always keep hands and feet away from all moving parts and
under the cutting deck. Contact with moving parts and/or blade
can amputate fingers, hands, toes and feet.
A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause blade contact or
thrown object injuries. Do not use a damaged product. Obey the
maintenance schedule. Only do the maintenance work that you
find an instruction about in this manual.
ENGINE SAFETY
A
WARNING
This machine is equipped with
an internal combustion engine
and should
not
be used
on or
near any unimproved
forest-covered, brush-covered
or
grass-covered land
unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a
spark arrestor meeting applicable local
or
state laws
(if any).
If a spark arrestor is used, it should be maintained in effective
working order by the operator. In the State of California the
above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public
Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal
laws apply on federal lands.
Never start or run the engine inside a closed area. The exhaust
fumes are dangerous, containing carbon monoxide, an odorless
and deadly gas.
Operate this unit only in a well-ventilated outdoor area.
Do not tamper with the engine to run it at excessive speeds. The
maximum engine speed is preset by the manufacturer and is
within safety limits. See engine manual.
The muffler keeps the noise levels to a minimum and sends the
exhaust fumes away from the operator. Do not use the product if
7
I Safety
the muffler is missing or defective. A defective muffler increases
the noise level and the risk of fire. Examine the muffler regularly
to make sure that it is attached correctly and not damaged.
Muffler and engine become hot and can cause burns. Do not
touch.
Do not modify engine. To avoid serious injury or death, do not
modify engine in any way. Tampering with the governor setting
can lead to a runaway engine and cause it to operate at unsafe
speeds. Never tamper with factory setting of engine governor.
FUEL SAFETY
Fuel is highly flammable, and its vapors can explode if ignited.
Take precautions when using to reduce the chance of serious
personal injury.
When refilling or draining the fuel tank, use an approved fuel
storage container while in a clean, well-ventilated outdoor area.
Do not smoke, or allow sparks, open flames, or other sources of
ignition near the area while adding fuel or operating the unit.
Never fill the fuel tank indoors.
Keep grounded conductive objects, such as tools, away from
exposed, live electrical parts and connections to avoid sparking or
arcing. These events could ignite fumes or vapors.
Always stop the engine and allow it to cool before filling the fuel
tank. Never remove the cap of the fuel tank or add fuel while the
engine is running or when the engine is hot. Do not operate the
machine with known leaks in the fuel system.
Loosen the fuel tank cap slowly to relieve any pressure in the
tank.
Never overfill the fuel tank. Fill the tank to no more than 1/2"
below the bottom of the fl lier neck to provide space for expansion
as the heat of the engine can cause fuel to expand.
Replace all fuel tank and container caps securely and wipe up
spilled fuel. Never operate the unit without the fuel cap securely
in place.
Avoid creating a source of ignition for spilled fuel. If fuel is spilled,
do not attempt to start the engine but move the machine away
from the area of spillage and avoid creating any source of ignition
until fuel vapors have dissipated.
Do not start the product if there is fuel or engine oil on the
product. Remove the unwanted fuel/oil and let the product dry.
When fuel is spilled on yourself or your clothes, wash your skin
and change clothes immediately.
Store fuel in containers specifically designed and approved for
this purpose.
