Weed Eater 438181 - Manual (Page 3)

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I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all
instructions on the machine and in the
manual(s) before starting. Be thoroughly
familiar with the controls and the proper
use of the machine before starting.
• Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotating parts. Keep clear of the dis-
charge opening at all times.
• Only allow responsible adults, who are
familiar with the instructions, to operate
the machine.
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks,
toys, wire, sticks, etc., which could be
picked up and thrown by the blade.
Stay behind the handle when the motor
is running.
• Be sure the area is clear of other people
before mowing. Stop machine if anyone
enters the area.
• Do not operate the mower when bare-
foot or wearing open sandals. Always
wear substantial foot wear.
• Do not pull mower backwards unless
absolutely necessary. Always look down
and behind before and while moving
backwards.
• Never direct discharged material toward
anyone. Avoid discharging material
against a wall or obstruction. Material
may ricochet back toward the operator.
Stop the blade when crossing gravel
surfaces.
• Do not operate the mower without the
entire grasscatcher, discharge guard,
rear guard or other safety protective
devices in place and working.
• Never leave a running machine unat-
tended.
• See manufacturer’s instructions for
proper operation and installation of
accessories. Only use accessories ap-
proved by the manufacturer.
• Stop the motor when crossing gravel
drives, walks, or roads.
• Stop the motor whenever you leave the
equipment, before cleaning the mower
or unclogging the chute.
• Shut the motor off and wait until the
blade comes to complete stop before
removing grass catcher.
• Mow only in daylight or good artifi cial
light.
• Do not operate the machine while under
the infl uence of alcohol or drugs.
• Never operate machine in rain or on wet
grass. Always be sure of your footing:
keep a fi rm hold on the handle and
walk; never run.
• Disengage the self-propelled mecha-
nism on mowers so equipped before
starting the motor.
• If the equipment should start to vibrate
abnormally, stop the motor and check
immediately for the cause.
• Vibration is generally a warning of
trouble.
• Always wear safety goggles or safety
glasses with side shields when operat-
ing mower.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to slip
and fall accidents which can result in
severe injury. All slopes require extra cau-
tion. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not
mow it.
DO:
• Mow across the face of slopes: never
up and down. Exercise extreme caution
when changing direction on slopes.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree
limbs, etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
DO NOT:
• Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or
embankments. The operator could lose
footing or balance.
• Do not cut excessively steep slopes.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced
footing could cause slipping.
III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is
not alert to the presence of children. Children
are often attracted to the machine and the
mowing activity. Never assume that children
will remain where you last saw them.
• Keep children out of the mowing area
and under the watchful care of another
responsible adult.
• Be alert and turn machine off if children
enter the area.
• Before and while walking backwards,
look behind and down for small children.
Use extra care when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects
that may obscure vision.
• The mower is not a toy. It can be very
dangerous; children should not use this
mower. Only responsible adults who
have read the manual and understood
all instructions should operate this
mower.
SAFETY RULES