Safe Operation Practices; General Information; Preparation Before Operating - DeWalt DW33 Instruction Manual

ENGLISH

SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

DANGER: This machine was built to be operated according to the safe
operation practices in this manual. As with any type of power equipment,
carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious injury.
This 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.
WARNING: CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 - Engine exhaust, some of its
constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and
reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
WARNING: This symbol points out important safety instructions which,
if not followed, could endanger the personal safety and/or property
of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual
before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these
instructions may result in personal injury. When you see this symbol. HEED
ITS WARNING!

GENERAL INFORMATION

1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the mower and in the manual(s)
before attempting to assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe place for
future and regular reference and for ordering replacement parts.
2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation.
3. Never allow children under 14 years of age to operate this mower. Children 14 and
over should read and understand the instructions and safe operation practices in this
manual and on the mower and should be trained and supervised by an adult.
4. Never allow adults to operate this mower without proper instruction.
5. Store mower in a dry, clean area. Do not store next to corrosive materials, such
as fertilizer.
6. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use care and good judgment.
Contact your customer service representative for assistance.
7. According to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) and the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this product has an estimated useful life of
seven (7) years, under ordinary use conditions. At the end of its useful life, have the
product inspected annually to ensure all mechanical and safety systems are operating
properly, safely, and are not worn excessively. Failure to do so may result in accident,
injury, or death.

PREPARATION BEFORE OPERATING

1. Thoroughly inspect the area where the mower is to be used. Remove all stones, sticks,
wire, bones, toys, and other foreign objects which could be tripped over or picked up
and thrown by the blade(s). Thrown objects can cause serious personal injury.
2. To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury, stay in the operator zone
behind the mower handles. Keep helpers at least 75 feet (23 meters) from the mower
while it is in operation. Keep bystanders, children and pets inside while the mower is
in operation. Stop mower if anyone enters the area.
3. Be aware of the mower and attachment discharge direction and do not point the
mower discharge at anyone.
4. Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during operation and while performing
an adjustment or repair to protect your eyes. Thrown objects which ricochet can
cause serious injury to the eyes.
5. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-fitting slacks and shirts. Loose fitting
clothes, jewelry and long hair can be caught in moving parts. Shirts and pants that
cover the arms and legs and steel-toed shoes are recommended.
6. Never operate mower in bare feet, sandals, slippery or light-weight (e.g.
canvas) shoes.
7. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than 1" (2.5 cm) below bottom of filler
neck to allow space for fuel expansion.
8. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
9. Use only accessories and attachments approved for this mower by the mower
manufacturer. Read, understand and follow all instructions provided with the
approved accessory or attachment.
4
OPERATING
1. Data indicates that operators, age 65 years and above, are involved in a large
percentage of mower-related injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability to
operate the mower safely enough to protect themselves and others from serious injury.
2. Many injuries occur as a result of the mower being pulled over the foot during a fall
caused by slipping or tripping. Do not hold on to the mower if you are losing your
balance or footing; immediately release the handle.
3. Never pull the mower back toward you while you are walking. If you must back the
mower away from a wall or obstruction first look down and behind to avoid tripping
and then follow these steps:
a. Step back from mower to fully extend your arms.
b. Be sure you are well balanced with sure footing.
c. Pull the mower back slowly, no more than half way toward you.
d. Repeat these steps as needed.
4. Do not engage the drive control (if equipped) while starting engine.
5. The blade control is a safety device. Never attempt to bypass its operation. Doing so
makes the safety device inoperative and may result in personal injury through contact
with the rotating blade. The blade control must operate freely in both directions and
automatically return to the disengaged (off ) position when released. The cutting
blade continues to rotate for up to three seconds after the blade control is released.
Never place any part of the body in the blade area until you are certain the blade has
stopped rotating.
6. If the mower should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine and check
immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
7. Never operate mower without the proper trail shield, discharge cover, grass catcher,
blade control or other safety protective devices in place and working. Never operate
mower with damaged safety devices. Failure to do so can result in personal injury.
8. When starting engine, pull cord slowly until resistance is felt, then pull rapidly. Rapid
retraction of starter cord (kickback) will pull hand and arm toward engine faster than
you can let go. Broken bones, fractures, bruises or sprains could result.
9. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the cutting deck. Contact with
the blade(s) can amputate hands and feet.
10. Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain or hidden
objects could cause a slip and/or trip accident. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
11. Your mower is designed to cut normal residential grass of a height no more than 7"
(17.5 cm). Do not attempt to mow through unusually tall, dry grass (e.g., pasture) or
piles of dry leaves.
12. Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of material toward roads, sidewalks,
helpers and the like. Avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction which
may cause discharged material to ricochet back toward the operator.
13. Shut the engine off and wait until the blade comes to a complete stop before
removing the grass catcher or unclogging the chute. The cutting blade continues to
rotate for up to three seconds after the blade control is released. Never place any part
of the body in the blade area until you are certain the engine is off and the blade has
stopped rotating.
14. A missing or damaged discharge door, chute or mulch plug can cause blade contact or
thrown object injuries.
15. Do not operate the mower without the discharge door, chute, mulch plug or the entire
grass catcher in its proper place.
16. Stop the mower blade when crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads and while not
cutting grass.
17. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
18. Do not operate the mower while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
19. The muffler and engine become very hot and can cause serious burn injuries. Do not
touch. Allow the mower to cool for at least five minutes before storing or attempting
any service.
20. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.