Section 1: Safety; General Operation - Troy-Bilt Wide-Cut 34342 Owner's Manual

Section
Safety
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SPARK ARRESTER WARNING TO RESIDENTS OF CALIFORNIA AND SEVERAL OTHER STATES
Under California law, and under the laws of several other states, you are not permitted to operate an internal
combustion engine using hydrocarbon fuels on any forest covered, brush covered, or grass covered land, or on
land covered with grain, hay, or other flammable agricultural crop, without an engine spark
arrester in continuous effective working order.
The engine on your power equipment, like most outdoor power equipment, is an internal combustion engine that burns gasoline, a
hydrocarbon fuel. Therefore, your power equipment must be equipped with a spark arrester muffler in continuous
effective working order. The spark arrester must be attached to the engine exhaust system in such a manner that flames or heat
from the system will not ignite flammable material. Failure of the owner/operator of the equipment to comply with this regulation is
a misdemeanor under California law, and may also be a violation of other state and/or federal regulations, laws, ordinances, or
codes. Contact your local fire marshal or forest service for specific information about what regulations apply in your area. Contact
your authorized engine dealer for information about obtaining a spark arrester.
This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the
I. GENERAL OPERATION
1. Read, understand, and follow all in-
structions on the machine and in the
manuals. Be thoroughly familiar with
the controls and the proper use of
the mower before starting.
2. Do not put hands or feet near or
under rotating parts. Keep clear of
the mower blade and discharge
opening at all times.
3. Only allow responsible individuals,
who are familiar with the instruc-
tions, to operate the mower.
4. Clear the area of objects such as
rocks, toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc.,
which could be picked up and
thrown by the blade.
Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Mowers
following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.
5. Be sure the area is clear of other
people before mowing. Stop mower
if anyone enters the area. Keep by-
standers at least 25 feet away from
the area of operation.
6. Do not operate the mower when
barefoot or wearing open sandals.
Always wear substantial foot wear.
7. Do not pull mower backwards
unless absolutely necessary. Look
down and behind before and while
moving backwards.
8. Do not operate the mower without
proper guards, plates, grass catcher
or other safety protective devices in
place.
9. Refer to provided instructions for
proper operation and installation of
accessories. Only use accessories
approved by Garden Way
Incorporated.
10. Stop the blade when crossing gravel
drives, walks, or roads.
11. Stop the engine and disconnect the
spark plug wire from the spark plug
IMPORTANT
whenever you leave the unit, before
cleaning the mower or unclogging
the chute.
12. Shut the engine off, wait until the
blade comes to a complete stop, and
disconnect the spark plug wire be-
fore installing or removing the
mulcher cover or the optional grass
catcher. Make certain that the grass
catcher is securely attached before
operating the mower. Empty the
grass catcher after each use–
decomposing debris could generate
enough heat to catch fire.
13. Mow in daylight or good artificial
light.
14. Do not operate the mower while
under the influence of alcohol or
drugs.
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