Ryobi RY40140 Operation Manual - Page 13

OPERATION STARTING/STOPPING THE MOWER See Figures 8 - 10.  Raise the battery cover.  Install battery pack.  Insert the start key into the slot beside the battery storage port.  Lower the battery cover.  Press and hold the start button. Pull the blade control lever toward the handle and release the button to start the mower.  To stop the mower, release the blade control lever. MOWING TIPS  Make sure the lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wires, and other objects that could damage the lawn mower blades or motor. Do not mow over property stakes or other metal posts. Such objects could damage the blade or be accidentally thrown by the mower in any direction and cause serious personal injury to the operator and others.  For a healthy lawn, always cut off one-third or less of the total length of the grass.  When cutting heavy grass, reduce walking speed to allow for more effective cutting and a proper discharge of the clippings.  Do not cut wet grass. It will stick to the underside of the deck and prevent proper bagging or mulching of grass clippings.  New or thick grass may require a narrower cut or a higher cutting height.  Clean the underside of the mower deck after each use to remove grass clippings, leaves, dirt, and any other accumulated debris. NOTE: Always stop mower, allow blades to completely stop, remove the start key and disconnect the battery pack before cleaning unerneath the mower. SLOPE OPERATION See Figure 11. WARNING: Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents that can result in severe injury. Operation on slopes requires extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it. For your safety, do not attempt to mow slopes greater than 15 degrees.  Mow across the face of slopes, not up and down. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.  Watch for holes, ruts, rocks, hidden objects, or bumps which can cause you to slip or trip. Tall grass can hide obstacles. Remove all objects such as rocks, tree limbs, etc., which could be tripped over or thrown by the blade.  Always be sure of your footing. A slip and fall can cause serious personal injury. If you feel you are losing your balance, release the upper blade control lever immediately.  Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments; you could lose your footing or balance. EMPTYING THE GRASS CATCHER See Figure 12.  Stop the mower and allow blades to completely stop.  Open battery cover.  Remove start key and battery pack.  Lift the rear discharge door.  Lift the grass catcher by its handle to remove from mower.  Empty grass clippings.  Lift the rear discharge door and reinstall the grass ­catcher as described earlier in this manual.  Reinstall start key and battery pack when you are ready to mow. 9 - English