Makita LM003J Instruction Manual page 13

5. Check the blades or blade bolts carefully for
cracks or damage before operation. Replace
cracked or damaged blades or blade bolts
immediately.
6. Remove foreign matters such as rocks, wire,
bottles, bones and large sticks from the work
area before mowing to prevent personal injury
or damage to the mower.
7. Objects struck by the mower blade can cause
severe injuries to persons. The lawn should
always be carefully examined and cleared of
all objects prior to each mowing.
Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other
8.
hidden objects. Uneven terrain could cause a slip
and fall accident. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
Use personal protective equipment. Always
9.
wear eye protection. Protective equipment such
as a dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat or
hearing protection used for appropriate conditions
will reduce personal injuries.
Operation
1. Do not overreach. Keep the balance at all
times. Always be sure of the footing on slopes.
Walk, never run.
2. Stop the mower and turn off the machine, and
make sure that all moving parts have come to
a complete stop:
- whenever you leave the mower,
- before clearing blockages or unclogging chute,
- before checking, cleaning or working on the
mower,
- after striking a foreign object. Inspect the
mower for damage and make repairs before
restarting and operating the mower,
- whenever the mower starts vibrating
abnormally.
3. Never operate the mower with defective
guards or shields, or without safety devices,
for example deflectors and/or grass basket, in
place.
4. Avoid using the mower in bad weather con-
ditions especially when there is a risk of
lightning.
5. Wear eye protection and stout shoes at all
times while operating the mower.
6. Operate the mower only in daylight or in good
artificial light.
7. Switch on the mower carefully according to
instructions and with feet well away from the
blade(s).
8. Take care against injury to feet and hands from
the mower blades.
Always ensure that the ventilation openings
9.
are kept clear of debris.
10. Mow across the face of slopes, never up and
down. Exercise extreme caution when chang-
ing direction on slopes. Do not mow exces-
sively steep slopes.
Use extreme caution when reversing or pulling
11.
the mower towards you.
12. Stop the blade(s) if the mower has to be tilted
for transportation when crossing surfaces
other than grass, and when transporting the
mower to and from the area to be used.
13. Do not tilt the mower when switching on the
motor, except if the mower has to be tilted
for starting. In this case, do not tilt it more
than absolutely necessary and lift only the
part, which is away from the operator. Always
ensure that both hands are in the operating
position before returning the mower to the
ground.
14. Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating
parts. Keep clear of the discharge opening at
all times.
15. Do not transport the mower while the mower is
turned on.
16. Avoid operating the mower in wet grass.
17. Always keep a firm hold on the handle.
18. Don't grasp the exposed cutting blades or
cutting edges when picking up or holding the
mower.
19. Keep hands and feet away from rotating
blades. Caution - Blades coast after the mower
is switched off.
20. Stop operation immediately if you notice
anything unusual. Switch off the mower. Then
inspect the mower.
21. Never attempt to make cutting height adjust-
ments while mower is running if the mower
has cutting height adjustment feature.
22. Release switch lever and wait for blade rota-
tion to stop before crossing driveways, walks,
roads, and any gravel-covered areas. Also turn
off the machine if you leave the mower, reach
to pick up or remove something out of your
way, or for any other reason that may distract
you from what you are doing.
23. If the mower strikes a foreign object, follow
these steps:
- Stop the mower, release the switch lever and
wait until the blade comes to a complete stop.
- Remove the battery cartridge.
- Thoroughly inspect the mower for any
damage.
- Replace the blade if it is damaged in any way.
Repair any damage before restarting and con-
tinuing to operate the mower.
24. Do not start the mower when standing in front
of the discharge opening.
25. If the mower starts to vibrate abnormally
(check immediately)
- inspect for damage,
- replace or repair any damaged parts,
- check for and tighten any loose parts.
26. Never direct discharged material toward
anyone. Avoid discharging material against a
wall or obstruction. Material may ricochet back
toward the operator. Stop the blade when crossing
gravel surfaces.
27. Do not pull the mower backwards unless
absolutely necessary. When you are compelled
to back the mower from a fence or other similar
obstruction, look down and behind before and
while moving backwards.
28. Shut the motor off and wait until the blade
comes to a complete stop before removing the
grass catcher. Beware that the blades coast after
turn off.
13 ENGLISH