Important Safety Instructions - Ryobi RY48131 Operator's Manual

WARNING:
READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL INSTRUCTIONS.
Failure to follow all instructions listed below and on the
machine could result in electric shock, fire, serious per-
sonal injury and/or death.
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 the mower and turn off
the machine if anyone enters the area.
 Tragic accidents can occur if the opera-
tor 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 in the watchful care of a responsible
adult other than the operator.
• Be alert; stop and turn machine off if a child enters the
area.
• Before and while backing, maneuvering in reverse, or
turning around, look behind and down for small chil-
dren, bystanders, and pets.
• Be especially careful before and when backing, maneu-
vering in reverse, or turning around with the bagger kit
installed, as it may limit visibility. Always look closely
behind and down for small children, bystanders, and
pets, and move the mower slowly.
• Never carry children, even with the blades
shut off. They may fall off and be seriously
injured or interfere with safe machine op-
eration. Children who have been given
rides in the past may suddenly appear in
the mowing area for another ride and be
run over or backed over by the machine.
• Never allow children to operate the machine.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING:
CHILDREN CAN BE KILLED OR SERIOUSLY INJURED
BY THIS EQUIPMENT. The American Academy of Pe-
diatrics recommends that children be a minimum of 16
years of age before operating a riding lawn mower.
• Use extreme care when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees, or other objects that may block your
view of a child.
 Wear heavy, long pants, long sleeves, gloves, and pro-
tective footwear that will protect your feet and improve
your footing on slippery surfaces. 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.
 Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn
off blades, set parking brake, stop motor, and remove
key before dismounting.
 Check brake operation before each use and frequently
during use. Adjust and service as required.
 Keep hands and feet away from cutting area, which is lo-
cated under the mower deck and inside the side discharge
chute. Keep clear of the side discharge chute opening at
all times. Do not reach under the mower deck.
 Operate the lawn mower only in daylight or good artificial
light.
 Use safety glasses — Always wear eye protection with
side shields marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1. Use face
mask if operation is dusty.
 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.
 Do not charge lawn mower in rain, or in wet locations.
 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. To prevent serious personal injury,
damage to the mower, and for best performance, replace
damaged or unevenly worn blades.
 Check all nuts, bolts, and screws before each use for
proper tightness to be sure the equipment is in safe work-
ing condition. Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blades
or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing
them.
 Stop the motor, wait until blades come to a complete stop,
and remove the start key before cleaning the lawn mower,
removing the bagger, or removing the mulch cover.
2 — English