Troy-Bilt 31/2 HP - Manual (Page 6)

SECTION 1: SAFETY
IMPORTANT—Safe Operation Practices for Sickle Bar Mowers
When operating or servicing the mower always
follow the safe operating practices described in this
Section. If you should ever lend this mower to another
person, make sure that he or she understands the
safe operation of the mower.
If you should ever have any questions about oper­
ating or servicing your TRAIL BLAZER® Mower, please
call us immediately. One of our trained technical
service representatives will be happy to assist you.
Our phone numbers are listed on Page 3 and on the
back cover of this Manual.
TRAINING
1. Read this Owner/Operator Manual, the separate
engine owner’s manual, and any other literature you
may have received before you use the mower. Be
thoroughly familiar with the controls and proper use
of the mower. Know how to stop the mower and
disengage its controls quickly in case of an emergency.
2. Never allow children to operate the mower. Do not
allow adults to operate the mower without proper
instruction. Do not allow irresponsible adults to oper­
ate the mower.
3. Keep the area of operation clear of all persons,
particularly small children, and pets.
PREPARATION
1. Thoroughly inspect the area where the mower is to
be used. Remove all metal debris, limbs, and other
hazards. Also inspect this area for holes, ruts, or
bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the mower.
Be
aware that tall vegetation can hide many hazards.
2. Do not operate the mower when barefoot or when
wearing open sandals. Always wear substantial foot­
wear which will protect your feet and help improve
traction.
3. Do not wear loose fitting clothing or jewelry that
could get caught in moving parts. Also be aware that
vines, branches, etc. can snag loose fitting clothing or
jewelry.
4. Remove any rings or other metal jewelry when
working on or near the electric starting system.
5. Before starting the engine, make sure that the
plastic blade protector is removed from the blade and
that both handlebar levers are disengaged (released).
Also check the muffler’s spark arrester screen for
security and damage.
6. Mow only in daylight.
7. Never operate the mower in wet grass. Always be
sure of your footing; keep a firm hold on the handle­
bar grips, and walk, never run.
8. Never operate the mower without the weed deflec­
tor and all guards in place (except for the plastic
blade protector, which should be removed before
starting the engine).
9. Never attempt to disconnect or remove guards or
other safety devices, or to defeat the purpose of
these safefy devices.
10. Gasoline is highly flammable and its vapors are
explosive. Handle it with extreme care. Use an
4 approved fuel container.
11. Check the gas level in the gas tank before starting
the engine. Do not fill the gas tank when the mower is
indoors, when the mower’s engine is running, or when
the mower’s engine is hot. Allow the mower’s engine
to cool for several minutes before filling the gas tank.
Reinstall the gas tank cap securely and clean up any
spilled gasoline before starting the engine.
12. Keep smoking materials, sparks, and flame away
from the gas tank and the fuel container.
13. Move the mower away from gas fumes before
starting the engine.
14. If you are mowing in a dry area, do not smoke.
Do not smoke while mowing.
15. Do not charge the battery (on electric start mod­
els) in an airtight space.
16. When charging the (electric start) mower’s bat­
tery, do not use a battery charger other than the one
provided with the mower.
17. The electric start mower’s battery contains toxic
materials. Do not damage the battery case. If the case
is broken or damaged, avoid contact with the battery
contents.
18. Dispose of the battery properly. Check with local
authorities for proper disposal methods.
19. Do not operate the mower if the cutter bar assem­
bly is not securely installed.
OPERATION
1. Before each use, check the operation of the han­
dlebar levers. See Page 16 in this Manual for specific
instructions. Do not use the mower if either handlebar
lever is not functioning properly.
2. Do not put hands or feet near or under any moving
parts. Keep clear of the cutter bar at all times when
the engine is running.
3. Keep the plastic blade protector on the blade until
you are ready to start the engine.
4. Before removing or installing the plastic blade
protector: shut the engine off, disconnect the spark
plug wire and prevent it from touching the spark plug.
On electric start models, also remove the Engine
Ignition key from the keyswitch.
5. Do not change the engine governor settings or
overspeed the engine.
6. Stop the cutter bar blade when crossing gravel
drives, walks, or roads.
7. Watch for traffic when operating near, or when
crossing roadways.