Murray 20-inch - Manual (Page 6)

SAFE MOWING GUIDE
6
F–040406L
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. Too often the mow-
er user is inexperienced, not properly in-
structed, or has not read the Instruction Book
and instructions on the unit before using it for
the first time. This can result in unsafe use en-
dangering the operator, bystanders, and the
equipment. Another result can be a poor ap-
pearance of the area mowed.
Read this Instruction Book. Read the in-
structions on the unit. Operate the mower ac-
cording to the Safe Mowing Guide and other
safety rules and recommendations in this In-
struction Book and on the unit. Make sure any-
one who uses the unit has read the instructions
and has been told how to operate the mower
safely.
Your mower is designed to provide good ser-
vice and durability in normal residential cut-
ting. If the mower is not properly 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 foot from being cut by the blade.
Shirts and pants that cover the arms and legs
can stop or deflect a thrown object.
Practice using 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 is important that
the blade can be stopped quickly in an emer-
gency. Learn how to cut and how to keep con-
trol of 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 is designed for use by one person.
Always mow alone. Never carry passengers.
Carrying a passenger is dangerous for the
passenger and the operator. A mower is not for
amusement or for carrying objects.
Is the area you are planning to mow wet? Nev-
er cut a wet lawn. Cutting wet 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 tends to clog the
mower, causing poor discharge. 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 dangerous flying objects if the mower
blade hits them. The blade of a power mower
travels very fast. It can throw rocks and other
objects with force over long distances. Objects
thrown by mowers can break windows, cause