Steps To Follow - Murray 20408x34A Instruction Manual

more slowly so the mower can clear itself as it
moves forward.
When cutting with a walk behind mower, always

STEPS TO FOLLOW

Before Mowing
Be sure to dress correctly. Wear hard shoes,
not sandals or tennis shoes.
Examine the blade. A blade that is bent,
cracked, or damaged must be replaced with
a factory replacement blade.
Fill the fuel tank outside. Clean off spilled
fuel.
Read and follow the Owner's Manual, the
instructions with the engine, and the instruc-
tions with any attachments. Owner's Manual
instructions are for your safety and the safety
of others.
Exhaust fumes are dangerous. Start the en-
gine outside.
Make sure all safety devices are in place and
working correctly.
Operation of the mower is only for a person
that has experience.
Wet grass can be dangerous. Let the grass
dry.
Instruct children and others to keep away
from the work area.
Never cut the grass without good light.
Pick up loose objects. Remove them from
the mowing area.
F–99415
push the unit. Do not pull it. Pushing the unit
keeps the operator behind the mower in the
"operator's zone" for better control. Pushing the
unit also gives you a chance to see exactly
where and what you are mowing. There will be
times while you are mowing that you will have to
pull the mower backwards (such as when the
front of the mower has come up against a wall or
fence). If you must back up, make sure your feet
are in the clear. Stand well back from the mower,
plant your feet firmly with each step and back up
being careful to look behind you. Resume
normal mowing as soon as possible.
If your unit is self–propelled, remember that the
drive mechanism is not designed to do all the
While Mowing
Watch for fixed objects and avoid them. They
can damage the mower or cause injury.
A hot engine and muffler will cause a burn.
Do not touch.
Inclines and slopes must be carefully
mowed. See the "Guide" in the back of this
book to check a slope.
Lack of daylight or good artificial light is
cause to stop mowing.
Examine the mower, the blade, and other
parts for damage after hitting a foreign object
or if the unit vibrates excessively.
Do not make adjustments or repairs without
stopping the engine (except for carburetor).
Disconnect the spark plug wire.
On or near roads, watch out for traffic. Direct
discharge away from roads.
When mowing, avoid areas where traction is
unsure. Before and while moving back-
wards, look behind and down for small chil-
dren.
In heavy grass, raise the cutting height. Cut
slower. Stop the engine to remove clogged
grass from the mower.
Never remove any safety related parts.
Do not pour gasoline into a engine that is hot
or running.
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work, but the unit can move without your help.
Always keep your hands on the handle near the
controls when the engine is running. Remember
too that the self–propelled mechanism can be
dangerous. Keep hands and feet away from
belts and chains. Always turn off the engine
before attempting to remove anything that
becomes entangled in the self–propelled
system.
Remember, your mower is a useful tool, but it
can be dangerous. Follow the instructions in this
Instruction Book. Use the mower properly and
carefully and it will give you many hours of
trouble free, accident free operations.
After Mowing
Always let the mower cool before storing in
an enclosed area.
Foreign material on the mower is dangerous.
Clean off grass, leaves, grease and oil be-
fore storing.
Tighten all loose nuts, bolts and screws be-
fore you use the unit.
Empty and clean any grass catcher or other
accessory.
Remove the key or disconnect the spark plug
wire to prevent unauthorized use.
Make sure the mower is not kept near a
source of ignition. Gas fumes can cause an
explosion.
Only original parts or factory approved sub-
stitutes can be used to service the mower.
When storing the mower for an extended pe-
riod, remove the fuel from the fuel tank.
Instruct children to leave the mower alone. It
is not a toy.
Never keep gasoline near a source of igni-
tion. Always use an approved container.
Keep gasoline away from children.
Lubricate according to the Instruction Book.
See "Lubrication".
IMPORTANT––Read the Instruction
Book. Keep this book for future use and
reference.