Manual

Safety
SafetyAlert Symbol
,_ This is a safety alert symbol. It is used in this
manual and on the unit to alert you to potential
hazards. When you seethis symbol, readand
obey the messagethat follows it. Failureto obey
safety messagescould result in personal injury or property
damage.
This machine meets voluntary safety standard B71.1 -
1998, which is sponsored by the Outdoor Power
Equipment Institute, Inc., and is published by the American
National StandardsInstitute.
• lL WARNING
The engine exhaust from this product contains
chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
IMPORTANT
SafeOperationPracticesfor Walk-BehindMowers
Thiscuttingmachineis capableofamputatinghandsandfeet andthrowingobjects.
Failureto observethe followingsafetyinstructionscouldresultinseriousinjuryordeath.
I. GENERALOPERATION
.
1. Read,understandand follow all
instructions on the machineand in
the manuals provided with the unit.
Bethoroughly familiar with the 10.
controls andthe proper use of the
mower before starting. 11.
2. Do not put handsor feet nearor
under rotating parts. Keepclear of
the mower bladeand discharge
opening at all times. 12.
3. Only allow responsible individuals,
who are familiar with the instruc-
tions, to operate the mower.
4. Clearthe area of objects such as
rocks, toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc.,
which could be picked up and thrown
by the blade.
5. Be surethe area isclear of other
people before mowing. Stop mower if
anyone enters the area. Keep
bystanders at least 25 feetaway from 13.
the areaof operation.
6. Do not operatethe mower when 14.
barefoot or wearing open sandals.
Always wear substantial foot wear. 15.
7. Do not pull mower backwards unless
absolutely necessary.Look down and
behind before andwhile moving
backwards. 16.
8. Do not operate mower without all
guards in placeand either the entire 17.
Grass Catcher,the Mulching Plug or
the optional Side-Discharge Chute
installed. ROTATINGBLADES-- Do
not open discharge guard while
engine is running.
Referto provided instructions for 18.
proper operation andaccessory
installation. Useonly accessories
approved by GardenWay Inc. 19.
Shut off engine when crossing gravel
drives, walks, or roads. 20.
Stop engineand disconnectspark
plug wire from spark plug whenever
you leaveunit, before cleaning mower
or unclogging chute.
Shut the engine off andwait until the
bladecomesto a complete stop
before installing or removing the
Mulching Plug, optional Side-
Discharge Chuteor the Grass
Catcher. Makecertain that an attach-
ment is installed beforeoperating the
mower. Empty the GrassCatcher
after each use- decomposing debris
could generateenough heat to catch
fire.
Mow only in daylight or in good arti-
ficial light.
Do not operate mower while under
the influenceof alcohol or drugs.
Neveroperatemower in wet grass.
Always besure ofyour footing; keep
a firm hold on the handleand walk;
never run.
Besure WheelDrive Bail is disen-
gaged before starting engine.
If the unit should start to vibrate
abnormally, stop the engineand dis-
connect the spark plug wire. Then
check immediately for the cause.
Vibration is generallya warning of
trouble.
21.
22.
We recommend that you wear safety
goggles or safety glasses when
operating the mower.
Watch for traffic when operating
near, or when crossing roadways.
Neverattempt to carry children or
other passengers onthe mower.
Theycould fall off and beseriously
injured, or they could interfere with
the safe operation of the mower.
Checkthe operation of the Operator
PresenceControl Bail (top bail,
mounted on handlebar) before each
use.The OperatorPresenceControl
Bail is a safety devicethat is designed
to stop the mower blade within three
seconds after releasingthe bail. The
bail must operate freely when pulled
backagainst the handlebarand
return automatically to the disen-
gaged position when released.If the
engine runs longer than three
seconds after releasingthe bail, the
system is not working properly.
Immediately contact an authorized
service dealeror the Factory
Technical ServiceDepartmentfor
instructions. Do not usethe mower
until the mechanismis repaired.
Neverrun the enginein an enclosed
area. Engineexhaustcontains carbon
monoxide, a deadly gas that is
odorless, colorless andtasteless.
Always run the engine outdoors and
makesure there is adequate
ventilation.