Murray 20408x34A Instruction Manual page 4

This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious
injury or death.
I. General Operation
1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions
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 substan-
tial 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 remov-
ing 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 before
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 gener-
ally a warning of trouble such as a blade that
is damaged, a loose blade, or the engine
mounting bolts are loose.
18. Always wear safety goggles or safety
F–99415
Safe Operation Practices for Walk–Behind Mowers.
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 discharge
of material toward roads, sidewalks, bystand-
ers 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 mow-
ing.
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.
DO NOT:
Do not mow near drop–offs, ditches, or em-
bankments. The operator could lose footing or
balance.
Do not mow excessively steep slopes.
Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced footing
could cause slipping.
III. Children
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not
alert to the presence of children. Children are
often attracted to the mower and the mowing
activity. Never assume that children will remain
where you last saw them.
1. Keep children out of the mowing area and
under the watchful care of a responsible
adult.
2. Be alert and turn mower oft if children enter
the area.
3. Before and while moving backwards, look
behind and down for small children.
4. Never allow children to operate the mower.
5. Use extra care when approaching blind cor-
ners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may
obscure vision.
* Asterisked items do not apply to electric mowers.
IV. Service
*1. Use extra care in handling gasoline and oth-
*2. Never run an engine indoors or inside a
3. Never make adjustments or repairs to items
4. Keep all nuts and bolts, especially blade at-
5. Never tamper with safety devices. Check
6. To reduce fire hazard, keep mower free of
7. Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike
8. Never attempt to make wheel height adjust-
9. Always disconnect electric mowers (live op-
10. Grass catcher components are subject to
11. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap
12. Do not change the engine governor setting or
13. Frequently check the blade for wear or dam-
14. Use only original equipment or authorized
4
er fuels. They are flammable and vapors are
explosive.
a. Use only an approved container.
b. Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the
engine running. Allow engine to cool before
refueling. Do not smoke.
c. Never refuel the machine indoors.
d. Never store the machine or fuel container
inside where there is an open flame, such
as a water heater.
closed area.
such as the height adjusters or grass catcher
with the engine (motor) running. Disconnect
the spark plug wire, and keep the wire away
from the plug to prevent accidental starting.
Always wear eye protection when you make
adjustments or repairs.
tachment bolts, tight and keep equipment in
good condition.
their proper operation regularly.
grass, leaves, or other debris build–up.
Clean up oil or fuel spillage. Allow mower to
cool before storing.
an object. Repair, if necessary, before re-
starting.
ments while the engine (motor) is running.
erated) before cleaning, repairing, or adjust-
ing.
wear, damage, and deterioration, which
could expose moving parts or allow objects
to be thrown. Frequently check components
and replace with manufacturer's recom-
mended parts, when necessary. For storage,
always make sure grass catcher is empty.
the blade(s) or wear gloves, and use extra
caution when servicing them.
over–speed the engine.
ages such as cracks and nicks. A blade that
is bent or damaged must be immediately re-
placed with a factory replacement blade. For
safety and good cutting performance, replace
the blade every two years. Frequently check
the blade bolt and the engine mounting bolts.
Replace damaged bolts and tighten loose
bolts.
replacement parts.