Ryobi P1140-S Operation Manual - Page 7

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS  Clear the work area before each use. Remove all objects such as rocks, sticks, tree nuts, metal, wire, bones, toys, or other objects which can be thrown by the blade.Stay behind the handle when the motor is running.  Avoid holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, property stakes, or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could cause a slip and fall accident.  Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.­  Mow across the face of slopes, never up and down. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.  Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of material toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders and the like. Also, avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction, which may cause the material to ricochet back toward the operator.  Do not mow on wet grass or excessively steep slopes. Poor footing could cause a slip and fall accident. Walk, never run.  Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may block your view.  Do not pull the mower backward unless absolutely necessary. If you must back the mower away from a wall or obstruction, first look down and behind to avoid tripping or pulling the mower over your feet.  Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction. Material may ricochet back toward the operator. Stop the blade when crossing gravel surfaces.  Objects struck by the lawn mower blade can cause severe injuries to persons. The lawn should always be carefully examined and cleared of all objects prior to each ­mowing.  If the lawn mower strikes a foreign object, follow these steps: • Stop the lawn mower by releasing the blade control lever, wait until the blade comes to a complete stop, and then remove start key. • Thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage. • Replace the blade if it is damaged in any way. Repair any damage before restarting and continuing to operate the mower.  Stop the motor, wait until the blade comes to a complete stop, and remove start key before unclogging the chute. The cutting blade continues to rotate for a few seconds after the motor is shut off. Never place any part of the body in the blade area until you are sure the blade has stopped rotating.  If the mower should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the motor and check immediately for the cause. Replace the blade if it is unevenly worn or damaged in any way. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.  Service on the product must be performed by qualified repair personnel only. Service or maintenance performed by unqualified personnel could result in injury to the user or damage to the product.  The grass catcher assembly is subject to deterioration and wear and should be checked each time the mower is used. If replacement is needed, make sure the new grass catcher meets original manufacturer's recommendations and specifications.  Use only authorized replacement parts when servicing the product. Use identical replacement blades only. Use of unauthorized parts may create a risk of serious injury to the user, or damage to the product.  Maintain or replace safety instructions labels, as necessary.  Disconnect battery and remove start key- Disconnect battery pack and remove start key from the appliance before storing, servicing, or changing accessories such as blades. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the tool accidentally.  Stop the unit and disconnect battery pack and start key when not in use. Carry or push the unit with the motor stopped and the start key removed from the mower.  Battery tools do not have to be plugged into an electrical outlet; therefore, they are always in operating condition. Be aware of possible hazards when not using your battery tool or when changing accessories. Following this rule will reduce the risk of electric shock, fire, or serious personal injury.  Do not use battery-operated appliance in rain.  Remove or disconnect battery before servicing, cleaning or removing material from the gardening appliance.  Use battery only with charger listed. For use with 18V nickel-cadmium and lithium-ion battery packs. See Tool/ Appliance/Battery Pack/Charger Correlation Supplement 987000-432.  Store idle lawn mower indoors - When not in use, mower should be stored indoors in a dry, locked place out of the reach of children. The start key and battery packs should also be removed and stored in a separate location out of the reach of children.  Follow instructions for lubricating and changing accessories.  Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the instructions, to operate this machine.  Never operate machine in a closed area.  Never tamper with safety devices. Check for proper operation regularly.  Save these instructions. Refer to them frequently and use them to instruct others who may use this product. If you loan someone this tool, loan them these instructions also. 3 - English