Hayter 12/30 143P Instruction Book page 8

Before you start cutting, make sure the
mower was completely assembled
according to the Instruction Book. If the
mower was completely assembled by the
retailer, you must still check the mower
according to the assembly instructions.
Make sure the mower is correctly
assembled and that all fasteners are tight.
Make sure the engine has the correct
amount of oil. Check these items often
during the life of the mower.
Your mower has a petrol engine. Petrol is
a dangerous fuel. Keep petrol only in an
approved safety petrol container. Do not
keep large amounts of petrol. When you
add petrol to the fuel tank, do not smoke.
Store the petrol container and the mower
in an area that has good ventilation. Also,
keep the petrol away from any flames like
the pilot light of a furnace or any other
source of ignition. If the mower is to be
stored for more than a few weeks, remove
the petrol from the fuel tank. When inside
an enclosure, do not add petrol to the fuel
tank. Before you add petrol, move the
mower outside and add petrol carefully.
Before you start the engine, remove any
petrol from the outside of the fuel tank or
from the mower. Warm petrol will expand.
Leave some space in the fuel tank for the
petrol to expand. Also, the fuel cap has a
vent hole for fuel vapors. Always use the
correct fuel cap. Failure to follow safety
rules about petrol will cause fires and
explosions, injury to you and damage to
the equipment and other property.
If you add petrol to an engine that is
running or hot, the result can be an
explosion. Before you add petrol, stop the
engine and let the engine cool for several
seconds. Remove dry grass and other
debris from the mower. Keep the mower
clean to improve the performance, help
the engine and transmission run cooler,
extend the life of moving parts, and
decrease the danger of a fire.
Fires and explosions are not the only
dangers when working around a mower.
The engine, transmission, and the muffler
will get hot in several minutes when the
F−98857
SAFE MOWING GUIDE
engine is running. Do not touch these
parts of the mower. Stop the engine. Let
the engine and transmission cool before
servicing the mower. Remember, exhaust
fumes are dangerous. Never operate the
engine inside a building.
When you get a new mower, it can be a
new experience for the family. Tell each
person how a mower can be dangerous.
Remember, a mower is not a toy. A
mower is not to be used by children or
anyone not old enough, strong enough or
that does not have experience.
If the mower is not correctly assembled,
not operated correctly, or not regularly
serviced, the mower can be dangerous.
The most important rule to follow is
always use good judgement and common
sense. Mow safely and carefully.
Your mower will easily cut thick grass.
Fingers, feet and other parts can also be
cut by the blade. Injuries occur when the
operator does not think and reaches into
the chute opening. Always operate the
mower as if the blade is rotating. Do not
service or make an adjustment, except to
the carburettor, while the engine is
running.
Use only accessories that are factory
approved for your mower. The wrong
accessory can decrease the safety of the
mower and can even damage the unit.
Read and follow the instructions included
with the accessory and the mower.
Use only original equipment or
replacement parts that are factory
approved for service. If you need service,
select an Authorized Service Center for
your mower. If you do the work on the
unit, follow the instructions in the
Instruction Book.
When you mow, remember that children
are attracted to the mower. Always use
caution when mowing around obstacles
like trees or shrubs or when moving
backward. Only mow in a forward
direction if possible. Your visibility is
decreased when you mow backward.
Also, the blades are made to cut while the
8
unit is moving forward. If you mow
backward, the cutting performance
decreases.
Before you leave the mower, stop the
engine. Remove the key. Disengage and
lower any attachment. Set the parking
brake. Never mount or dismount from the
seat while the engine is running. An
accident can occur if you touch the brake,
shift lever, throttle, clutch or blade control
while the engine is running. Mount and
dismount from the seat on the side of the
unit that is marked ENTER−EXIT.
Make sure you are in good condition
when you mow. When you mow for
several hours your reflexes will decrease
and your mind will not be as alert. Take a
short break or an accident can occur. If
the temperature is hot, use caution to
prevent dehydration. If you are tired,
angry or not completely alert, do not
operate the mower. If you use alcohol,
medication or drugs, do not use the
mower or any type of power equipment.
Engine speed is a key to safe mowing
and to a good looking lawn. The
maximum speed of the engine was set at
the factory. Do not change the setting of
the engine governor.
Select the maximum engine and ground
speed that is right for the terrain and the
height of the grass. The blade cuts best
when the engine is operating at maximum