Stihl RZ 142 Instruction Manual - Page 8

Read the Manual Operation WARNING The operator's manual contains important safety information you need to be aware of, understand, and apply BEFORE you operate your unit and DURING operation. Safe operating techniques, an explanation of the product's features and controls, and maintenance information is included to help you get the most out of your investment. Read this operator's manual thoroughly before use and follow all safety precautions. Improper use can cause serious or fatal injury. Children WARNING Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Do not allow children anywhere near the area of operation. Children are often attracted to the unit and the mowing activity. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them. If there is a risk that children may enter the area where you are mowing, have another responsible adult watch them. • Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of another responsible adult other than the operator. • Be alert and turn the unit off if children enter the area. • Always look down, behind, and to the side for children before changing directions and while backing. • Before and during reverse operation, look behind and down for small children. • Never carry children, even with the blade(s) off. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe unit operation. Children who have been given rides in the past may suddenly appear in the mowing area for another ride and be run over or backed over by the unit. • Never allow children to operate the unit. • Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision. 8 WARNING • Clear the operating area of any objects which could be thrown by or interfere with operation of the unit. • Only operate in daylight or good artificial light. The LED lights supplied with the unit or as an accessory contribute to visibility but are not considered good artificial light suitable for night time mowing. • Keep away from holes and hidden hazards. • Do not operate on public roads. • Never operate the unit without guards securely in place. Be sure all interlocks are attached, adjusted, and functioning properly. • Stop the unit on level ground, disengage the PTO, engage the parking brake, and shut off the engine before leaving the operator's position for any reason including emptying the grass catchers or unclogging the chute. • Never carry passengers and keep pets and bystanders away. • Do not direct discharge material toward anyone. Avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction. Material may ricochet back toward the operator. Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel surfaces or when you are not mowing. • Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision. • Do not change the engine governor setting or overspeed the engine. • To help prevent fires, keep the unit free of grass, leaves, or other unwanted material. Clean remaining oil or fuel spillage. Remove fuel soaked debris and let the unit cool before storage. Starting WARNING • Only operate in well ventilated areas. Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, a deadly poison. • Be sure all drives are in neutral and parking brake is engaged before starting engine. Only start engine from the operator's position. Mowing WARNING • Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always look down, behind, and to the side before changing directions and while backing. • Do not direct discharge material toward anyone. Avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction. Material may ricochet back towards the operator. Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel surfaces. Do not operate stihlusa.com