Operation
Note:
Determine the left and right sides of the
machine from the normal operating position.
Before Operation
Before Operation Safety
General Safety
•
Do not allow children or untrained people to
operate or service the machine. Local regulations
may restrict the age of the operator. The owner
is responsible for training all operators and
mechanics.
•
Inspect the area where you will use the machine,
and remove all objects that could interfere with
the operation of the machine or that the machine
could throw.
•
Become familiar with the safe operation of the
equipment, operator controls, and safety signs.
•
Check that operator-presence controls, safety
switches, and guards are attached and working
properly. Do not operate the machine unless they
are functioning properly.
•
Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait
for all moving parts to stop before leaving the
operator's position. Allow the machine to cool
before servicing, adjusting, fueling, cleaning, or
storing it.
•
Before mowing, inspect the machine to ensure
that the cutting assemblies are working properly.
•
Evaluate the terrain to determine the appropriate
equipment and any attachments or accessories
required to operate the machine properly and
safely.
•
Wear appropriate clothing, including eye
protection; long pants; substantial, slip-resistant
footwear; and hearing protection. Tie back long
hair and do not wear loose clothing or loose
jewelry.
•
Do not carry passengers on the machine.
•
Keep bystanders and pets away from the machine
during operation. Shut off the machine and
attachment(s) if anyone enters the area.
•
Do not operate the machine unless all guards and
safety devices, such as the deflectors and the
entire grass catcher, are in place and functioning
properly. Replace worn or deteriorated parts when
necessary.
Fuel Safety
•
Fuel is extremely flammable and highly explosive.
A fire or explosion from fuel can burn you and
others and can damage property.
– To prevent a static charge from igniting the fuel,
place the container and/or machine directly on
the ground before filling, not in a vehicle or on
an object.
– Fill the fuel tank outdoors on level ground, in
an open area, and when the engine is cold.
Wipe up any fuel that spills.
– Do not handle fuel when smoking or around an
open flame or sparks.
– Do not remove the fuel cap or add fuel to the
tank while the engine is running or hot.
– If you spill fuel, do not attempt to start the
engine. Avoid creating a source of ignition until
the fuel vapors have dissipated.
– Store fuel in an approved container and keep
it out of the reach of children.
•
Fuel is harmful or fatal if swallowed. Long-term
exposure to vapors can cause serious injury and
illness.
– Avoid prolonged breathing of vapors.
– Keep your hands and face away from the
nozzle and the fuel-tank opening.
– Keep fuel away from your eyes and skin.
•
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 or on a truck
or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place
containers on the ground and away from your
vehicle before filling.
•
Remove the equipment from the truck or trailer
and refuel it while it is on the ground. If this is not
possible, then refuel from a portable container
rather than from a fuel-dispenser nozzle.
•
Do not operate the machine without the entire
exhaust system in place and in proper working
condition.
•
Keep the fuel-dispenser 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 you spill fuel on your clothing, change your
clothing immediately.
•
Do not overfill the fuel tank. Replace the fuel cap
and tighten it securely.
•
Clean grass and debris from the cutting unit,
muffler, drives, grass catcher, and engine
compartment to help prevent fires. Clean up oil or
fuel spills.
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