Operator's Manual

3
T wo other words are also used to highlight information.
“Important” calls attention to special mechanical
information and “Note” emphasizes general information
worthy of special attention.
The left and right side of the machine is determined by
standing behind the handle in the normal operator ’s
position.
Safety
This machine meets or exceeds CPSC blade safety
requir ements for walk–behind r otary mowers and the
B71.1 specifications of the American National
Standards Institute, in effect at time of pr oduction.
However
, impr oper use or maintenance by the
operator or owner can r esult in injury . T o r educe the
potential for injury , comply with these safety
instructions and always pay attention to the safety alert
symbol which means CAUTION, W ARNING or
DANGER—“personal safety instruction.” Failur e to
comply with the instruction may r esult in personal
injury.
Safe Operating Practices
This product is capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwing objects. Always follow all safety instructions to
avoid serious injury or death.
WARNING
POTENTIAL HAZARD
• Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide,
which is an odorless, deadly poison.
WHA T CAN HAPPEN
• Carbon monoxide can kill you and is also
known to the State of California to cause birth
defects.
HOW T O A V OID THE HAZARD
• Do not run engine indoors or in an enclosed
area.
This mower is designed for cutting and recycling grass or ,
when equipped with a grass bag, for catching cut grass.
Any use for purposes other than these could prove
dangerous to the operator or bystanders.
Note: This engine is NOT equipped with a spark arrester
muffler . Use or operation of this mower in the State of
California on any forest-covered, brush-covered or
unimproved grass-covered land, without an approved
spark arrester muf fler , is a violation of the law . Other
states may have similar laws.
General Operation
• Read this manual carefully before operating the
mower . Become familiar with the controls and proper
use of the mower. Never allow children under 16 years
of age to operate the mower . Never allow adults to
operate mower without proper instructions.
• The operator of the mower is responsible for keeping
everyone, especially children and pets, away from area
of operation. The operator is responsible for accidents
or hazards occurring to other people or their property .
•
Thoroughly inspect the area where the mower will be
used and remove sticks, stones, wire, and debris that
could be picked up and thrown by the mower . W atch
for foreign objects while mowing.
• W ear long pants and substantial shoes. Do not operate
the mower while wearing open-toed shoes, jewelry ,
loose clothing, or when barefoot.
• Check the fuel level before starting the engine.
Because fuel is highly flammable, handle it carefully .
•
Use an approved fuel container .
•
Fill the fuel tank outdoors, not indoors. Never add
fuel to an engine that is running or hot.
• Install a gas cap on the fuel container and gas tank,
and wipe up any spilled gasoline before starting the
engine.
•
Do not smoke while refueling.
• Keep all guards, shields, safety devices,
cover -deflector assembly , optional grass catcher ,
optional side dischar ge chute, and/or optional
dischar ge tunnel plug in place. Repair or replace
damaged parts, including decals. Check all safety
devices before each use.
• The engine, blade, and self–propel drive
(self-propelled model) are designed to stop when the
control bails are released. Ensure that the control and
brake function properly before each use of the mower .
•
Disengage the self-propel mechanism or drive clutch
(self-propelled models) before starting the engine.
• Before using, always visually inspect the mower to
ensure that the blades, blade fasteners, and cutter
assembly are not worn or damaged. Replace worn or
damaged blades and fasteners in sets to preserve
balance.
While Operating
• Do not run the engine indoors.
• Start the engine carefully , according to instructions
and with your feet well away from the blade.