Troy-Bilt 31/2 HP - Manual (Page 7)

SAFETY
8. Stop both the cutter bar blade and the wheel drive
when you are approached by any child, inattentive
person, or pet.
9. Before inspecting, cleaning, adjusting, or repairing
the mower or cutter bar: stop the engine, disconnect
the spark plug wire and prevent it from touching the
spark plug, wait for all moving parts to stop, and
reinstall the plastic blade protector on the blade. On
electric start models, also remove the Engine Ignition
key from the keyswitch.
10. Never leave the operator’s position while the
mower’s engine is running. Stop the engine, discon­
nect the spark plug wire and prevent it from touching
the spark plug to help prevent accidental starting. Also,
remove the Engine Ignition key from the keyswitch on
electric start models to help prevent accidental starting
or unauthorized use.
11. If the mower should start to vibrate abnormally,
stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire and
prevent it from touching the spark plug. Also, remove
the Engine ignition key from the keyswitch on electric
start models. Wait for ail moving parts to completely
stop and then inspect the mower for damage. Repair
the damage before restarting the engine and operating
the mower.
12. Do not run the engine in an enclosed area.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide gas,
a deadly poison that is odorless, colorless and
tasteless.
13. Do not mow excessively steep slopes.
14. Keep all movements on a slope slow and gradual.
Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction.
15. Do not touch engine parts which may be hot from
operation. Allow parts to cool before inspecting,
cleaning, or repairing.
16. Whenever you pull the mower rearward, release
both handlebar levers. Always check behind you for
hazards when backing up.
17. If you’re not mowing, disengage the blade drive.
18. Do not operate the mower while under the influ­
ence of alcohol or drugs.
19. Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embank­
ments. If the mower’s wheel goes over the edge, or if
the edge caves in, the mower could suddenly overturn.
20. Keep children out of the mowing area. Keep them
under the watchful eye of an adult other than the
person operating the mower. Never assume that chil­
dren will remain where you last saw them.
21. Before you back the mower up, and while you’re
backing it up, be sure to look behind you for small
children.
22. Never attempt to carry children on the mower.
They could fall off and be seriously injured, or they
could interfere with the safe operation of the mower.
23. Use extra care when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees, and any other object that may obscure
vision.
24. When removing the cutter bar blade from the
cutter bar assembly, wear sturdy leather gloves to
help prevent the blades from accidentally pinching or
cutting your fingers or hands.
Disconnecting the Spark Plug Wire
Whenever you perform any type of cleaning, inspec­
tion, or maintenance on the mower, shut the engine
off and then disconnect the spark plug wire from the
spark plug. Then prevent the wire from touching the
spark plug by placing the spark plug wire’s boot on
the V-shaped holder that is on the rear of the engine.
See the photo below.
Preventing the spark plug wire from touching the
spark plug helps to prevent the engine from being
accidentally started.
Preventing the spark plug wire from touching the spark plug.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
1. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure
that the equipment is in safe working condition.
2. If the mower has gasoline in its gas tank, do not
store it inside a building where fumes from the gaso­
line could reach an open flame or spark.
3. Allow the engine to cool before storing the mower
in any enclosure.
4. To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free of
grass, leaves, or excessive grease.
5. Store gasoline in a cool, well-ventilated area, safely
away from any spark- or flame-producing equipment.
Store gasoline in an approved container, safely out of
the reach of children.
6. Before inspecting, cleaning, adjusting, or repairing
the mower: Stop the engine, disconnect the spark
plug wire and prevent it from touching the spark plug,
wait for all moving parts to stop, and reinstall the
plastic blade protector on the blade. On electric start
models, also remove the Engine Ignition key from the
keyswitch.
7. Do not allow children to be around you when you
are working on the mower.
DECALS
We’ve placed operating and safety decals on the
mower to help you when operating the mower or to
warn you of any hazards. If any of these decals is
missing, iilegible, or damaged, please contact us
immediately for replacements. Please refer to your
TRAIL BLAZER® Parts Catalog for decal location and
replacement information.