Manual

SAFE MOWING GUIDE
Every person who uses power equipment
must learn the difference between proper and
improper use, safe and unsafe mowing prac-
tices. Read the next few pages carefully.
They can help you learn• Toooften the mow-
er user is inexperienced, not properly in-
structed, or has not read the InstructionBook
and instructionson the unit before using it for
the firsttime. This can resultin unsafe use en-
dangering the operator, bystanders, and the
equipment. Another resultcan be a poor ap-
pearance of the area mowed.
Read this Instruction Book. Read the in-
structionson the unit. Operate the mower ac-
cording to the Safe Mowing Guide and other
safety rules and recommendations in this In-
struction Bookand onthe unit. Make sure any-
one who uses the unithas read the instructions
and has been told how to operate the mower
safely.
gency. Learn how to cutand how to keep con-
trolof the mower at all times.
Many mowers are started manually.When us-
ing a pull start or rope start, place your feet
firmly and away from the blade. Hold the rope
handle securely, but never wrap the rope
around your arm or fingers for a better grip_.
The mower isdesignedfor use byone person.
Always mow alone. Never carry passengers.
Carrying a passenger is dangerous for the
passenger and the operator.A mower isnotfor
amusement or for carrying objects.
Your mower is designed to provide good ser-
vice and durability in normal residential cut-
ting. If the mower is not propedy serviced and
maintained or used on unsuitable terrain or in
conditions not suitable for mowing, product
performance and safety will be reduced.
Proper attire is an important part of safe mow-
ing. Safety glasses protect the eyes from
thrown objects. Safety shoes with steel toes
can protect a footfrom being cut by the blade.
Shirts and pants that cover the arms and legs
can stop or deflect a thrown object.
Practice usmg the mower before you actually
begin cutting grass. Select a large open level
area. Learn the location and function of the
controls and how they work. It isimportantthat
the blade can be stopped quickly in an emer-
F-98527
Is the area you are planningto mowwet?.Nev-
er cut a wet lawn.Cuttingwet grass can cause
an accident. It can affect mower performance
and also cause problems with future lawn
growth and appearance. Wet grass is slippery
and might cause the operator to fall or the
mower to slip. Someone could be hurt by
touching the blade. Wet grass tendsto clogthe
mower, causing poordischarge. Wet clippings
bunch up on the lawn retarding the growth of
grass. A wet mower can cause parts to rust
and reduce the useful life of the unit.
When you look over the lawn, refresh your
memory about hard, immovable obstacles
such as pipes, stumps, and rocks and avoid
them. They can cause damage to the mower
or an accident injuring the operator or a by-
stander. Take a litter bag along and walk over
the area to be cut. Pick up any stones, toys,
wire, bones, or other loose objects. These
items can damage the mower or they can be-
come dangemus flying objects if the mower
blade hits them. The blade of a power mower
travels very fast. Itcan throw rocks and other
objects withforce over longdistances. Objects
thrown by mowers can break windows, cause