Husqvarna W448 Operation Manual - Page 6

SAFETY Protecting 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 in the watchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator. • Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the area. obstacles can injure the operator or interfere with mowing operation. Before mowing, identify potential obstacles such as low-hanging branches, and trim or remove those obstacles. • Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before operating. Stop machine if anyone enters the area. • Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while backing. • Before and while backing, look behind and down for small children. • Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction. Material may ricochet back toward the operator. Stop the blades when crossing gravel surfaces. • Never carry • Do not operate machine without the children, even discharge guard, or other safety devices in with the blades place and working. shut off. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation. • Never allow children to operate the machine. • Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may block your view of a child. • Slow down before turning. • Operate the machine only in daylight or good artificial light. • Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off blades, stop engine and remove ignition key before dismounting. • Do not wear radio or music headphones. General Operation Safe service and operation require full • Read, understand, and follow all attention. instructions on the machine and in the • Do not hang or secure any item to the manual before starting. control console. The operator's station • Anyone who operates, maintains, and/or should always remain unobstructed. services this machine must first read and • Do not pull mower backwards while the understand this Operator Manual. Local blades are rotating. Use the reverse gear laws may regulate the age of the user. The to move the machine in reverse. owner is responsible for training the users of this equipment. • Disengage blades when not mowing. Shut off engine and wait for all parts to • The owner and operator of this equipment come to a complete stop before cleaning can prevent accidents and is responsible the machine or unclogging the discharge for accidents or injuries occurring to guard. themselves, other people and/or property. • Do not operate the machine while under • Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts the influence of alcohol or drugs. or under the machine. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times. • Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways. • Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the instructions, to operate the machine. • Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck. • Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc., that could be picked up and thrown by the blades. • Low-hanging branches and similar - 6 -