Poulan 172787 User Manual - Page 3

II. SLOPE OPERATION Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents which can result in severe injury. All slopes require extra caution. 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 trim excessively steep slopes. • Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced foot- ing 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 trimming 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. • Never allow children to operate the machine. • Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision. IV. SERVICE • Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They are flammable and vapors are explosive. - Use only an approved container. - Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do not smoke. - Never refuel the machine indoors. - Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an open flame, such as a water heater. • Never run machine inside a closed area. • Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine (motor) running.Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keep the wire away from the plug to prevent accidental starting. • Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight and keep equipment in good condition. • Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly. • Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool before storing. • Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object. Repair, if necessary, before restarting. • Never attempt to make wheel height adjustments while the engine (motor) is running. • Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage, and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and replace with manufacturer's recommended parts, when necessary. • Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them. • Do not change the engine governor setting or overspeed the engine. CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new Lawn Mower. It has been designed, engineered and manufactured to give you the best possible dependability and performance. Should you experience any problems you cannot easily remedy, please contact your nearest authorized service center. They have competent, well trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair this unit. • Read the SAFETY RULES and this Operator's Manual in its entirety before you at- tempt to assemble or operate your new lawn mower to insure proper operation and to prevent injury to yourself and others. Save this manual for future reference. • Your new lawn mower has been assembled at the factory with the exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. To ensure safe and proper operation of your lawn mower, all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correct tools as necessary to ensure proper tightness. • All parts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc., necessary to complete the assembly have been placed in the parts bag. 3