Rover 5377 - 12HP - Manual (Page 2)

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
• A mower user must be in good physical condition and
mental health and not under the influence of any drug or
alcohol which might impair vision co-ordination or
judgement.
• Do not use a mower when tired or fatigued. Lack of
alertness may cause serious injury.
• Know your controls.
Read and understand Owner’s Manual before operating
mower. Learn how to stop the mower in an emergency. Refer
Operator’s Instructions.
• Do not lend or sell the mower without the Owner’s Manual.
• Be sure that anyone using the mower reads and fully
understands the information contained in this Manual and
knows how to safely operate the mower.
• Do not allow children or people unfamiliar with these
instructions to use the mower.
• Never mow whilst bystanders or pets are present in the
mowing area.
• Never carry passengers.
• Never mow while barefoot or wearing open sandals or
thongs. Wear long trousers and heavy non-slip shoes.
• It is advisable to wear suitable eye protection when
operating a mower.
• Before using, always visually inspect to see that the
blades, blade bolts, and cutter assembly are not worn or
damaged. Replace worn or damaged blades and bolts in
sets to preserve balance.
• Damaged blades and worn bolts are major hazards.
• Replace worn or faulty silencers.
• Always mount and dismount mower from left-hand side
(opposite side to discharge chute).
• Make sure the area to be mowed is cleared of sticks,
stones, bones, wire and debris. They could be thrown by the
blades.
• Store fuel in a cool place in a container specifically
designed for that purpose. In general, plastic containers are
unsuitable. Handle fuel carefully. It is highly flammable.
• Refuel outdoors only. Do not smoke when refueling
engine. Add fuel before starting engine. Never remove the
cap from the fuel tank or add petrol while the engine is
running. Allow engine to cool for several minutes before
refueling if engine is hot. If petrol is spilled, do not attempt to
start the engine, but move the mower away from the area of
the spill and avoid creating any source of ignition until the
petrol vapors have dissipated.
• Remove the fuel cap slowly to relieve fuel tank pressure.
• Check for fuel leaks while refueling or using the mower. If
a fuel leak is found, do not start or run the engine until the
leak is fixed and spilled fuel is wiped away.
• Take care not to get fuel on your clothing. If this occurs,
change your clothing immediately.
• Do not operate mower in confined space where exhaust
fumes (carbon monoxide) can collect.
• Mow only in good daylight.
• Start the engine carefully with feet well away from the
blades.
• When starting do not wrap the started rope around your
hand. Do not allow the started cord to snap back. Return the
starter grip slowly to allow the cord to rewind properly.
• Strictly follow the operator instructions before attempting
to start the machine.
• Never mow where machine could tip or slip.
• If machine stalls going uphill, stop blades and back slowly
down.
• Mow up and down slopes. Never mow across a slope.
Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
Do not mow excessively steep slopes.
• Do not accelerate or stop the mower suddenly when on a
slope.
• Be extremely careful when using a mower on slopes. Stay
alert for holes in the terrain and other hidden hazards.
• Disengage cutter drive before mowing across gravel drives,
walks or roads.
• Do not mow in reverse. When reversing keep a careful and
continuous observation of the entire area behind the mower.
• Never use the mower unless all guards provided by Rover-
Scott Bonnar Limited are in position.
• Never disconnect the safety switches and never operate
the mower if any safety switch is inoperative.
• Never over-speed the engine or alter the governor settings.
Excessive speed is dangerous and shortens mower life.
• Take all precautions when leaving the mower unattended.
Disengage the cutter drive, set the park brake, shift into
neutral, stop the engine, and remove the key.
• Stop the engine and remove the key whenever you leave
the mower, even for a moment.
• Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug lead and
inspect mower if:
a) The mower begins to vibrate abnormally: or
b) After striking a foreign object.
Repair the damage before continuing further operation of
the mower.
• Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug lead before
clearing blockages, checking or working on the mower.
• Never pick up or carry a mower while it is operating.
• Where fitted, turn fuel tap off at the conclusion of mowing.
• When transporting in a vehicle, secure the mower to
prevent movement, roll-over, fuel spillage, and mower
damage.
• Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
• Never modify the mower in any way. Use only replacement
parts made and guaranteed by Rover-Scott Bonnar Limited.
• Keep all safety devices (guards and switches) in place and
working.
• Keep the engine free of grass, leaves or excessive grease –
these can be a fire hazard.
• Store the mower in a well ventilated room away from
naked flames such as may be found in hot water heaters.