Work area/Machine
• Thoroughly inspect the entire work
area and remove anything that could be
thrown by the machine or damage the
cutting means/rotating units (stones,
branches, iron wire, bones, etc.).
Internal combustion engines: fuel
DANGER! The fuel is highly flammable.
• Keep the fuel in approved
containers, in a safe place, away from
any naked lights or heat sources.
• Keep the containers and storage area free of
grass cuttings, leaves, or excessive grease.
• Keep the containers out of
the reach of children.
• Do not smoke when filling up with
fuel or when handling the fuel.
• Use a funnel to top up with
fuel only in the open air.
• Do not inhale fuel fumes.
• Never remove the tank cap or add
fuel while the engine is running
or when the engine is hot.
• Open the fuel tank slowly to allow the
pressure inside to decrease gradually.
• Do not approach the tank opening with
a naked flame to check its contents.
• If you have spilt some fuel, 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 the fuel has
evaporated and fuel vapours have dissipated.
• Immediately clean up all traces of fuel
spilt on the machine or on the ground.
• Replace caps of all fuel tanks
and containers securely.
• Never start the machine in the same
place in which you refilled it with fuel; the
engine must be started in an area at least
3 metres from where you refuelled.
• If fuel is spilt on clothing, change
clothing before starting the engine.
2.3 DURING OPERATION
Work Area
• Do not operate the engine in a confined
space where dangerous carbon
monoxide fumes can develop. All starting
operations have to be carried out in an
open or well ventilated area. Always
remember that exhaust gases are toxic!
• When starting up the machine, do not direct
the silencer and therefore the exhaust
fumes towards flammable materials.
• Do not use the machine in environments at
risk of explosion, in the presence of flammable
liquids, gas or powder. Electrical contacts
and mechanical friction can generate sparks
that can ignite the powder or vapours.
• Work only in daylight or with good artificial
light in good visibility conditions.
• Keep persons, children and animals away
from the working area. Instruct another adult
to supervise any children in the vicinity.
• Avoid working with wet grass, in the
rain and when there is a risk of a
thunderstorm, especially lightening.
• Pay careful attention to uneven ground
(hills, dips), slopes, hidden hazards and
obstacles that could limit visibility.
• Be very careful near ravines, ditches
or embankments. The machine could
overturn if a wheel slides over the
edge or if the earth gives way.
• Pay attention on sloping ground which
requires particular care to prevent overturning
or loss of control of the machine. The
main reasons for loss of control are:
– Insufficient wheel grip
– Excessive speed
– Inadequate braking
– Type of machine unsuitable for its task
– Lack of awareness of the effect of
ground conditions, especially slopes
– Incorrect use as a towing machine.
• Be careful of traffic when operating
the machine close to public roads.
• To avoid the risk of fire, do not
leave the machine standing in high
grass with the engine running.
Behaviour
• When working behind the wheel, do
not become distracted and maintain
the required level of concentration.
• Exercise caution when reversing or
moving backwards. Look behind you to
make sure there are no obstacles before
and during operations in reverse gear.
• Use care when pulling loads or
using heavy equipment:
– Use approved draw-bar hitch
points only when towing;
– Limit loads to those that can
be handled safely;
EN - 3