Black & Decker mm575 Instruction Manual page 2

BEFORE RETURNING THIS PRODUCT
FOR ANY REASON PLEASE CALL
1-800-544-6986
BEFORE YOU CALL, HAVE THE CATALOG No. AND DATE CODE
AVAILABLE. IN MOST CASES, A BLACK & DECKER REPRESENTATIVE
CAN RESOLVE THE PROBLEM OVER THE PHONE. IF YOU HAVE A
SUGGESTION OR COMMENT, GIVE US A CALL. YOUR FEEDBACK IS
VITAL TO BLACK & DECKER.
SAFETY GUIDELINES - DEFINITIONS
It is important for you to read and understand this manual.
The information it contains relates to protecting YOUR
SAFETY and PREVENTING PROBLEMS. The symbols below are
used to help you recognize this information.
Z_ DANGER"
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
z_ WARNING"
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
Z_CAUTION"
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.
CAUTION:
Used without the safety alert symbol indicates potentially
hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in property
damage.
z_ WARNING: IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNINGS AND
INSTRUCTIONS
Z_WARNING:
When using electric gardening appliances, basic
safety precautions should always be followed to reduce risk of fire,
electric shock, and personal injury, including the following.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
TO REDUCE RISK OF INJURY:
• Before any use, be sure everyone using this tool reads and
understands all safety instructions and other information contained
in this manual.
• Save these instructions and review frequently prior to use and in
instructing others.
z_ DANGER IMPORTANT SAFE PRACTICES FOR
WALK-BEHIND MOWERS
This lawn mower is capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions
could result in serious injury or death.
GENERAL OPERATION
1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the mower and in
the instruction manual before starting.
2. Do not put hands or feet near or under the mower. Keep clear of
the discharge opening at all times.
3. Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the
instructions, to operate this mower.
4. Clear the area where the mower is to be used of objects such as
rocks, sticks, wire, toys, bones, etc., which could be thrown by the
blade. Objects struck by the blade can cause severe injury to
persons. Stay behind the handle when the motor is running.
5. Be sure the area surrounding the mower is clear of bystanders
before operating. All bystanders and pets should be kept at a safe
distance. Stop the mower if anyone enters the area surrounding
the mower.
6. Do not operate mower barefooted or while wearing sandals.
Always wear substantial footwear.
7. Do not pull mower backward unless absolutely necessary. Always
look down and behind before and while moving backward.
8. Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid discharging
material against a wall or obstruction. Material may ricochet back
toward the operator. Release switch lever to turn mower off and
stop the blade when crossing gravel surfaces or when flipping the
handle.
9. Do not operate mower without the entire grass catcher, discharge
guard, rear guard, or other safety protective devices in place and
working. Periodically check all guards and safety protective devices
to ensure they are in good working order and will operate properly
and perform their intended function. Replace a damaged guard or
other safety device before further use.
10. Never leave a running mower unattended.
11. Always release the switch lever to stop the motor and wait until the
blade comes to a complete stop and unplug the mower before
cleaning the mower, removing the grass catcher, unclogging the
discharge guard, when leaving the mower, or before making any
adjustments, repairs or inspections.
12. Operate mower only in daylight or good artificial light when objects
in the path of the blade are clearly visible from the operating area
of the mower.
13. Do not operate mower while under the influence of alcohol or
drugs, or when you are tired or ill. Always stay alert, watch what
you are doing, and use common sense.
14. Avoid dangerous environments. Never operate mower in damp or
wet grass, never use mower in the rain. Always be sure of your
footing; walk; never run.
15. Disengage the drive system, if so equipped, before starting the
motor.
16. If the mower should start to vibrate abnormally, release the switch
lever, wait for the blade to stop and unplug the mower, then check
for the cause immediately. Vibration is generally a warning of
trouble.
17. Always wear proper eye and respiratory protection when operating
the mower.
18. The use of any accessory or attachment not recommended for use
with this mower could be hazardous. Only use accessories
approved by Black & Decker.
19. Never overreach while operating the mower. Always be sure to keep
proper footing and balance at all times while operating the mower.
SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents, which can
result in severe injury. Operation on all slopes requires extra caution. If
you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.
1. Mow across the face of slopes; never up and down. Exercise
extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
2. Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects.
Uneven terrain could cause a slip and fall accident. Tall grass can
hide obstacles.
3. Do not mow on wet grass or excessively steep slopes. Poor footing
could cause a slip and fall accident.
4. Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. You could
lose your footing or balance.
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 other than the operator.
2. Be alert and turn mower off if a child enters the area.
3. Never allow children to operate the mower.
4. Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or
other objects that may block your view of a child.