Murray 20-inch Push - Manual (Page 4)

IMPORTANT
4 F-050406L
Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Mowers.
This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to ob-
serve the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.
I. General Operation
1. Read, understand, and follow all instruc-
tions on the machine and in the manual(s).
Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and
the proper use of the mower before starting.
2. Do not put hands or feet near or under rotat-
ing parts. Keep clear of the discharge open-
ing at all times.
3. Only allow responsible individuals, who are
familiar with the instructions, to operate the
mower.
4. Thoroughly inspect the mower and area
where the equipment is to be used. Clear
the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire,
bones, sticks etc., which could be picked up
and thrown by the blade.
5. Be sure the area is clear of other people be-
fore mowing. Stop mower if anyone enters
the area.
6. Do not operate the mower when barefoot or
wearing open sandals. Always wear sub-
stantial foot wear.
7. Do not pull mower backwards unless abso-
lutely necessary. Look down and behind be-
fore and while moving backwards.
8. Do not operate the mower without proper
guards, plates, grass catcher or other safety
protective devices in place.
9. See manufacturer’s instructions for proper
operation and installation of accessories.
Only use accessories approved by the
manufacturer.
10. Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel
drives, walks, or roads.
11. Stop the engine (motor) whenever you
leave the equipment, before cleaning the
mower or unclogging the chute.
12. Shut the engine (motor) off and wait until the
blade comes to complete stop before re-
moving grass catcher.
13. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
14. Do not operate the mower while under the
influence of alcohol, drugs or other medica-
tion which can cause drowsiness or affect
your ability to operate this machine safely.
15. Never operate mower in wet grass. Always
be sure of your footing; keep a firm hold on
the handle and walk; never run.
16. Disengage the self-propelled mechanism
or drive clutch on mowers so equipped be-
fore starting the engine (motor).
17. If the equipment should start to vibrate ab-
normally, stop the engine (motor) and check
immediately for the cause. Vibration is gen-
erally a warning of trouble such as a blade
that is damaged, a loose blade, or the en-
gine mounting bolts are loose.
18. Always wear safety goggles or safety
glasses with side shields when operating
mower to protect your eyes from foreign ob-
jects which can be thrown from the unit.
19. Plan your mowing pattern to avoid dis-
charge of material toward roads, sidewalks,
bystanders and the like.
20. After striking a foreign object, stop the en-
gine. Remove the wire from the spark plug.
Inspect the blade and mower for damage. If
damaged, repair before starting and operat-
ing the mower.
21. Keep any washout ports and other mower
housing service openings closed when
mowing.
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. Do not mow excessively steep
slopes (maximum 15 degrees) or areas
where the ground is very rough. See the
“Guide” in the back of this manual to check
a slope. Exercise extreme caution when
changing direction on slopes.
Remove objects such as rocks, tree limbs,
etc.
Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall grass
can hide obstacles.
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