Black & Decker CM2043C Instruction Manual - Page 3

7. Do not pull mower backward unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while moving backward. 8. Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction. Material may ricochet back toward the operator. Release bail handle to turn mower off and stop the blade when crossing gravel surfaces. 9. Do not operate mower without the entire grass catcher, discharge guard, rear guard, or other safety protective devices in place and working. Periodically check all guards and safety protective devices to ensure they are in good working order and will operate properly and perform their intended function. Replace a damaged latch, SLOPE OPERATION Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents, which can result in severe injury. Operation on all slopes requires extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it. 1. Mow across the face of slopes; never up and down. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes. 2. Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could cause a slip and fall accident. Tall grass can hide obstacles. 3. Do not mow on wet grass or excessively steep slopes. Poor footing could cause a slip and fall accident. 4. Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. You could lose your footing or balance. guard or other safety device before further use. 10.Never leave a running mower unattended. 11.Always release the bail handle to stop the motor and wait until the blade comes to a complete stop and remove the safety key before cleaning the mower, removing the grass catcher, un-clogging the discharge guard, when leaving the mower, or before making any adjustments, repairs or inspections. 12.Operate mower only in daylight or good artificial light when objects in the path of the blade are clearly visible from the operating area of the mower. 13.Do not operate mower while under the CHILDREN Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the mower and the mowing activity. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them. 1. Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator. 2. Be alert and turn mower off if a child enters the area. 3. Never allow children to operate the mower. 4. Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may block your view of a child. influence of alcohol or drugs, or when you are tired or ill. Always stay alert, watch what you are doing, and use common sense. 14.Avoid dangerous environments. Never operate mower in damp or wet grass, never use mower in the rain. Always be sure of your footing; walk; never run. 15.Disengage the drive system, if so equipped, before starting the motor. 16.If the mower should start to vibrate abnormally, release the bail handle, wait for the blade to stop and remove the safety key and battery pack, then check for the cause immediately. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble. 17. Always wear proper eye and respiratory protection when operating the mower. 18.The use of any accessory or attachment not recommended for use with this mower could be hazardous. Only use accessories approved by BLACK+DECKER. 19.Never overreach while operating the mower. Always be sure to keep proper footing and balance at all times while operating the mower. GENERAL SERVICE 1. Never operate mower in a closed area. 2. Keep all nuts and bolts tight to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition. 3. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly. 4. Keep mower free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Allow mower to cool before storing. 5. If you strike a foreign object, release bail handle to turn mower off, wait for the blade to stop and remove the safety key and battery pack, then inspect the mower. Repair, any damage, before starting and operating the mower. 6. Never make any adjustments or repairs with the motor running or while the safety key is in the mower. 7. Always remove safety key and battery pack before adjusting, cleaning, repairing, inspecting, transporting, storing or leaving the mower. 8. Check grass catcher components and the discharge guard frequently and when necessary replace with BLACK+DECKER recommended parts only. 9. Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the 3