Important Safety Instructions - Ryobi RY42102 Operator's Manual

WARNING:
READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL INSTRUCTIONS.
Failure to follow all instructions listed below and on the
machine may result in electric shock, fire, and/or serious
personal injury.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
 This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and
feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe all safety
instructions could result in serious injury or death.
 Avoid dangerous environment — Do not use the lawn
mower in damp or wet conditions or operate in the rain.
 Keep children away — Keep all bystanders, children, and
pets at least 100 ft. away. Stop machine if anyone enters
the area.
 Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to
the presence of children. Children are often attracted to
the machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that
children will remain where you last saw them.
• Keep children out of the mowing area and under the
watchful care of a responsible adult other than the
operator.
• Be alert and turn mower off if a child enters the area.
• Never allow children to operate the machine.
• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may block your view of a
child.
 Dress properly — Wear heavy, long pants, long sleeves,
boots, and gloves. Do not wear loose fitting clothing,
short pants, sandals, or go barefoot. Do not wear jewelry
of any kind. They can be caught in moving parts.
 Don't overreach — Keep proper footing and balance at
all times. Overreaching can result in loss of balance.
 Do not operate the equipment while barefoot or when
wearing sandals or similar lightweight footwear. Wear
protective footwear that will protect your feet and improve
your footing on slippery surfaces.
 Do not leave the mower unattended while running or
connected to the power supply.
 Keep hands and feet away from cutting area. Keep clear
of the discharge opening at all times.
 Operate the lawn mower only in daylight or good artificial
light.
 Always wear safety glasses with side shields. Everyday
glasses have only impact resistant lenses. They are NOT
safety glasses. Following this rule will reduce the risk of
eye injury. Use face mask if operation is dusty.
 Use safety glasses — Always wear eye protection with
side shields marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1. Use face
mask if operation is dusty.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

 Use the right appliance — Do not use the lawn mower
for any job except that for which it is intended.
 Do not force the lawn mower — It will do the job better
and safer at the rate for which it was designed.
 Stay alert — Watch what you are doing and use common
sense when operating the lawn mower. Do not operate
the mower while tired, upset or under the influence of
drugs, alcohol, or medication. A moment of inattention
while operating the lawn mower may result in serious
personal injury.
 Maintain lawn mower with care — Keep machine in good
working condition. Keep blades sharp and guards in place
and in working order. Replace damaged or unevenly worn
blades before using mower for best performance.
 Check all nuts, bolts, and screws at frequent intervals for
proper tightness to be sure the equipment is in safe work-
ing condition. Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or
wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.
 Stop the motor, wait until the blade comes to a complete
stop, and disconnect from power supply before cleaning
the lawn mower, removing the grass catcher, or removing
the mulching plug.
 Replace blade if it is bent or cracked. An unbalanced
blade causes vibration that could damage the motor
drive unit or cause personal injury. Sharpen a dull blade
equally at each end to maintain the balance. Clean the
blade thoroughly and check its balance by supporting it
horizontally on a thin nail through its center hole. The nail
should be in a horizontal position. If either end of the blade
rotates downward, remove some metal from the heavy
of lower end until the blade is balanced. It is balanced
when neither end drops.
 When not in use, mower should be stored indoors in a
dry, locked up place—out of the reach of children. The
extension cord should also be removed and stored in a
separate location out of the reach of children.
 Always use safety protective devices. Do not operate the
mower without the entire grass catcher, mulching plug
and rear discharge door in place and working properly.
 Follow manufacturer's instructions for proper operation
and installation of accessories. Only use accessories
approved by the manufacturer.
 To reduce the risk of electric shock, this appliance has
a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other) and
will require the use of a polarized extension cord. The
appliance plug will fit into a polarized extension cord only
one way. If the plug does not fit fully into the extension
cord, reverse the plug. If the plug still does not fit, obtain
a correct polarized extension cord. A polarized extension
cord will require the use of a polarized wall outlet. This
plug will fit into the polarized wall outlet only one way.
If the plug does not fit fully into the wall outlet, reverse
the plug. If the plug still does not fit, contact a qualified
electrician to install the proper wall outlet. Do not change
3 — English