Advertisement
Section
Safety
1
Safety Alert 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 see this symbol, read and
obey the message that follows it. Failure to obey
safety messages could result in personal injury or property
damage.
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. GENERAL OPERATION
1. Read, understand and follow all
instructions on the machine and in
the manuals provided with the unit.
Be thoroughly familiar with the
controls and the proper use of the
mower before starting.
2. Do not put hands or feet near or
under rotating parts. Keep clear of
the mower blade and discharge
opening at all times.
3. Only allow responsible individuals,
who are familiar with the instruc-
tions, to operate the mower.
4. Clear the area of objects such as
rocks, toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc.,
which could be picked up and thrown
by the blade.
5. Be sure the area is clear of other
people before mowing. Stop mower if
anyone enters the area. Keep
bystanders at least 25 feet away from
the area of operation.
6. Do not operate the mower when
barefoot or wearing open sandals.
Always wear substantial foot wear.
7. Do not pull mower backwards unless
absolutely necessary. Look down and
behind before and while moving
backwards.
8. Do not operate mower without all
guards in place and either the entire
Grass Catcher, the Mulching Plug or
the Side-Discharge Chute installed.
ROTATING BLADES— Do not open
discharge guard while engine is
running.
IMPORTANT
Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Mowers
9. Refer to provided instructions for
proper operation and accessory
installation. Use only accessories
approved by Garden Way Inc.
10. Shut off engine when crossing gravel
drives, walks, or roads.
11. Stop engine and disconnect spark
plug wire from spark plug whenever
you leave unit, before cleaning mower
or unclogging chute.
12. Shut the engine off and wait until the
blade comes to a complete stop
before installing or removing the
Mulching Plug, Side-Discharge Chute
or the Grass Catcher. Make certain
that an attachment is installed before
operating the mower. Empty the
Grass Catcher after each use–
decomposing debris could generate
enough heat to catch fire.
13. Mow only in daylight or in good arti-
ficial light.
14. Do not operate mower while under
the influence of alcohol or drugs.
15. Never operate mower in wet grass.
Always be sure of your footing; keep
a firm hold on the handle and walk;
never run.
16. Be sure Wheel Drive Bail is disen-
gaged before starting engine.
17. If the unit should start to vibrate
abnormally, stop the engine and dis-
connect the spark plug wire. Then
check immediately for the cause.
Vibration is generally a warning of
trouble.
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 Standards Institute.
WARNING
The engine exhaust from this product contains
chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
18. We recommend that you wear safety
goggles or safety glasses when
operating the mower.
19. Watch for traffic when operating
near, or when crossing roadways.
20. Never attempt to carry children or
other passengers on the mower.
They could fall off and be seriously
injured, or they could interfere with
the safe operation of the mower.
21. Check the operation of the Operator
Presence Control Bail (top bail,
mounted on handlebar) before each
use. The Operator Presence Control
Bail is a safety device that is designed
to stop the mower blade within three
seconds after releasing the bail. The
bail must operate freely when pulled
back against the handlebar and
return automatically to the disen-
gaged position when released. If the
engine runs longer than three
seconds after releasing the bail, the
system is not working properly.
Immediately contact an authorized
service dealer or the Factory
Technical Service Department for
instructions. Do not use the mower
until the mechanism is repaired.
22. Never run the engine in an enclosed
area. Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, a deadly gas that is
odorless, colorless and tasteless.
Always run the engine outdoors and
make sure there is adequate
ventilation.
3
Hide quick links:
Advertisement
