Poulan PR500N21SH Owner Manual - Page 3

SAFETY RULES • Clear the area of objects such as rocks, • When loading or unloading this ma- toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc., which chine, do not exceed the maximum could be picked up and thrown by recommended operation angle of 15°. blade. Stay behind the handle when the • Wear proper Personal Protective Equip- engine (motor) is running. ment (PPE) while operating this ma- • Be sure the area is clear of other people chine, including (at a minimum) sturdy before mowing. Stop machine if anyone footwear, eye protection, and hearing enters the area. protection. Do not mow in shorts or • Do not operate machine barefooted or open toed footwear. while wearing sandals. Always wear Always let someone know you are outside substantial footwear with good ankle mowing. support while mowing. • 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 III. SLOPE OPERATION Slopes are a major factor related to slip & fall accidents, which can result in severe injury. All slopes require extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it. against a wall or obstruction. Material DO: may richochet back toward the opera- • Mow across the face of slopes: never tor. Stop blade when crossing gravel up and down. Exercise extreme caution surfaces. when changing direction on slopes. • Do not operate the mower without • Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree proper guards, plates, grass catcher or limbs, etc. other safety protective devices in place. • Watch for holes, ruts, bumps or hidden • See manufacturer's instructions for objects. Uneven terrain could cause a proper operation and installation of slip and fall accident. Tall grass can hide accessories. Only use accessories ap- obstacles. proved by the manufacturer. • Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads. • Never leave a running machine unat- tended. • Stop the engine (motor) and wait until the blade comes to a complete stop before cleaning the machine, removing DO NOT: • Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments. You could lose your footing or balance. • Do not mow on wet grass or excessively steep slopes. Poor footing could cause a slip and fall accident. the grass catcher, or unclogging the discharge chute. IV. SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE • Mow only in daylight or good artificial To avoid personal injury or property dam- light. age, use extreme care in handling gaso- • Do not operate the machine while under line. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the influence of alcohol or drugs. the vapors are explosive. • Never operate machine in wet grass. • Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes Always be sure of your footing: keep a and other sources of ignition. firm hold on the handle; walk, never run. • Use only an approved container. • Disengage the drive system, if so • Never remove gas cap or add fuel with equipped, before starting the engine (mo- the engine running. tor). • Allow engine to cool before refueling. • If the equipment should start to vibrate • Never refuel the machine indoors. abnormally, stop the engine (motor) and • Never store the machine or fuel contain- check immediately for the cause. Vibra- er where there is an open flame, spark tion is generally a warning of trouble. or pilot light such as a water heater or • Always wear eye protection when oper- on other appliances. ating machine. • Never fill containers inside a vehicle, on • Use extra care when approaching blind a truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner. corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects Always place containers on the ground that may obscure vision. away from your vehicle before filling. 3