McCulloch H346HL Mode D'emploi page 5

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Always observe safety rules when performing any main te nance.
• Before each use check for loose fasteners.
• Clean unit thoroughly after each use.
BLADE CARE
For best results mower blades must be kept sharp. Re place bent or dam-
aged blades.
• See BLADE CARE instructions in your tractor owner's manual.
CAUTION: BEFORE PERFORMING ANY MAINTENANCE, SERVICE
OR AD JUST MENTS:
• Depress clutch brake pedal fully and set parking brake.
• Place gearshift/motion control lever in neu tral (N) position.
• Place clutch control in "DISENGAGED" po si tion.
• Turn ignition key to "OFF" position.
• Make sure blades and all moving parts have completely
stopped.
• Disconnect spark plug wire(s) from spark plug(s) and place
wire where it cannot come in contact with plug.
CAUTION: Grass catcher com po nents are subject to wear, damage and
de te ri o ra tion, which could expose moving parts or allow ob jects to be thrown.
Frequently check components and replace with man u fac tur er's rec om mend ed
parts, when necessary.
STORAGE
When grass catcher is to be stored for a period of time, clean it thoroughly,
remove all dirt, grass, leaves, etc. Store in a clean, dry place.
CAUTION: Do not leave grass in bagger containers. Empty containers
after each use and before storing. Failure to do so may result in spontaneous
combustion which could develop into a fire.
SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet
and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could
result in serious injury or death.
I. TRAINING
• Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the con trols and the proper
use of the equipment.
• Never allow children or people unfamiliar with the ins truc tions to use the
lawnmower. Local regulations may restrict the age of the operator.
• Never mow while people, especially children, or pets are nearby.
• Keep in mind that the operator or user is responsible for accidents or hazards
occurring to other people or their property.
Do not carry passengers.
• All drivers should seek and obtain professional and prac ti cal instruction.
Such instruction should em pha size:
- the need for care and concentration when work ing with ride-on ma-
chines;
- control of a ride-on machine sliding on a slope will not be regained by
the application of the brake.
The main reasons for loss of control are:
a) insufficient wheel grip;
b) being driven too fast;
c) inadequate braking;
d) the type of machine is unsuitable for its task;
e) lack of awareness of the effect of ground conditions,especially slopes;
f) incorrect hitching and load distribution.
II. PREPARATION
• To reduce the risk of fire - before use, when refueling and at the end of each
mowing session - inspect and remove any debris buildup from the tractor,
mower and behind al guards.
• While mowing, always wear substantial footwear and long trousers. Do not
operate the equipment when barefoot or wearing open sandals.
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used and remove
all objects which may be thrown by the machine.
• WARNING - Petrol is highly flammable.
- Store fuel in containers specifically de signed for this pur pose.
- Refuel outdoors only and do not smoke while re fu el ing.
- Add fuel before starting the engine. Never remove the cap of the fuel tank
or add petrol while the engine is running or when the en gine is hot.
- If petrol is spilled, do not attempt to start the engine but move the machine
away from the area of spillage and avoid cre at ing any source of ig ni tion
until petrol vapors have dis si pat ed.
- Replace all fuel tanks and container caps securely.
• Replace faulty silencers.
• Before using, always visually inspect to see that the blades, blade bolts
and cutter assembly are not worn or damaged. Replace worn or damaged
blades and bolts in sets to preserve balance.
• On multi-bladed machines, take care as rotating one blade can cause other
blades to rotate.
III. OPERATION
• Do not operate the engine in a confined space where dan ger ous carbon
monoxide fumes can collect.
• Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
• Before attempting to start the engine, disengage all blade attachment
clutches and shift into neutral.
• Do not use on slopes of more than 5°.
• Remember there is no such thing as a "safe" slope. Travel on grass slopes
requires particular care. To guard against overturning;
- do not stop or start suddenly when going up or down hill;
- engage clutch slowly, always keep machine in gear, especially when
traveling down hill;
- machine speeds should be kept low on slopes and during tight turns;
- stay alert for humps and hollows and oth er hidden haz ards;
- never mow across the face of the slope, unless the lawnmower is designed
for this pur pose.
• Use care when pulling loads or using heavy equipment.
- Use only approved drawbar hitch points.
- Limit loads to those you can safely control.
- Do not turn sharply. Use care when re vers ing.
- Use counterweight(s) or wheel weights when sug gest ed in the instruction
hand book.
• Watch out for traffic when crossing or near roadways.
• Stop the blades from rotating before crossing surfaces other than grass.
• When using any attachments, never direct discharge of material toward
bystanders nor allow anyone near the machine while in operation.
• Never operate the lawnmower with defective guards, shields or without
safety protective devices in place.
• Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed the engine. Op-
erating the engine at excessive speed may increase the hazard of personal
injury.
• Before leaving the operator's position:
- disengage the power take-off and lower the at tach ments;
- change into neutral and set the parking brake;
- stop the engine and remove the key.
• Disengage drive to attachments, stop the engine, and dis con nect the spark
plug wire(s) or remove the ignition key
- before cleaning blockages or unclogging chute;
- before checking, cleaning or working on the lawnmower;
- after striking a foreign object. Inspect the lawnmower for damage and
make repairs before re start ing and op er at ing the equip ment;
- if the machine starts to vibrate abnormally (check im me di ate ly).
• Disengage drive to attachments when transporting or not in use.
• Stop the engine and disengage drive to attachment
- before refueling;
- before removing the grass catcher;
- before making height adjustment unless ad just ment can be made from
the op er a tor's position.
• Reduce the throttle setting during engine run-out and, if the engine is pro-
vided with a shut-off valve, turn the fuel off at the conclusion of mowing.
IV. MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
• Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the equip ment is in safe
working condition.
• Never store the equipment with petrol in the tank inside a building where
fumes may reach an open flame or spark.
• Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.
• To reduce the fire hazard, keep the engine, silencer, battery compartment
and petrol storage area free of grass, leaves, or excessive grease.
• Check the grass catcher frequently for wear or de te ri o ra tion.
• Replace worn or damaged parts for safety.
• If the fuel tank has to be drained, this should be done outdoors.
• On multi-bladed machines, take care as rotating one blade can cause other
blades to rotate.
• When machine is to be parked, stored or left unattended, lower the cutting
means unless a positive mechanical lock is used.
WARNING: Always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it
cannot contact spark plug in order to prevent ac ci den tal start ing when setting
up, trans port ing, ad just ing or making re pairs.
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