Exmark METRO 21 Operator's Manual page 7

Operation
WARNING
Operating engine parts, especially the
muffler, become extremely hot. Severe burns
can occur on contact and debris, such as
leaves, grass, brush, etc. can catch fire.
• Allow engine parts, especially the muffler,
to cool before touching.
• Remove accumulated debris from muffler
and engine area.
• Install and maintain in working order a
spark arrester before using equipment
on forest-covered, grass-covered, or
brush-covered unimproved land.
WARNING
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide,
which is an odorless deadly poison that can
kill you.
Do Not run engine indoors or in a small
confined area where dangerous carbon
monoxide fumes can collect.
• Operate only in daylight or good artificial light,
keeping away from holes and hidden hazards.
• Start the engine carefully according to instructions
with feet well away from the blades.
• Never raise deck with blades running.
• Never operate the mower with damaged guards,
shields, or covers. Always have safety shields,
guards, switches and other devices in place and in
proper working condition.
• Never mow with the discharge deflector raised,
removed or altered unless there is a grass
collection system or mulch kit in place and
working properly.
• Grass catcher components are subject to wear,
damage and deterioration, which could expose
moving parts or allow objects to be thrown.
Frequently check the components and replace
them with the manufacturer's recommended parts
when necessary.
• Do Not change the engine governor setting or
overspeed the engine.
• Never attempt to make wheel height adjustments
while the engine is running.
• Stop engine, wait for all moving parts to stop,
remove the spark plug wire(s) and/or remove key.
– Before checking, cleaning or working on the
mower.
– After striking a foreign object or abnormal
vibration occurs (inspect the mower for
damage and make repairs before restarting
and operating the mower).
– Before clearing blockages.
– Whenever you leave the mower.
• Stop engine, wait for all moving parts to stop:
– Before refueling.
– Before dumping the grass catcher.
– Before making height adjustments.
WARNING
Hands, feet, hair, clothing, or accessories can
become entangled in rotating parts. Contact
with the rotating parts can cause traumatic
amputation or severe lacerations.
• Do Not operate the machine without
guards, shields, and safety devices in
place and working properly.
• Keep hands, feet, hair, jewelry, or clothing
away from rotating parts.
• Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.
• To extend the life the engine brake, place the
throttle control in the "slow" position; then stop
the engine.
• This mower was designed for one operator
only. Keep all others away from mower during
operation.
• DO NOT operate the mower when people,
especially children, or pets are in the area.
• Be alert, slow down and use caution when making
turns. Look behind and to the side before
changing directions.
• Stop the blades, slow down, and use caution when
crossing surfaces other than grass and when
transporting the mower to and from the area to
be mowed.
7
Safety