Weed Eater WE18XP Owner Manual - Page 3

SAFETY RULES I. GENERAL OPERATION keep a firm hold on the handle and • Read, understand, and follow all walk; never run. instructions on the machine and in the • Disengage the self-propelled mecha- manual(s) before starting. Be thoroughly nism on mowers so equipped before familiar with the controls and the proper starting the motor. use of the machine before starting. • If the equipment should start to vibrate • Do not put hands or feet near or under abnormally, stop the motor and check rotating parts. Keep clear of the dis- immediately for the cause. charge opening at all times. • Vibration is generally a warning of • Only allow responsible adults, who are trouble. familiar with the instructions, to operate • Always wear safety goggles or safety the machine. glasses with side shields when operat- • Clear the area of objects such as rocks, ing mower. toys, wire, sticks, etc., which could be II. SLOPE OPERATION picked up and thrown by the blade. Slopes are a major factor related to slip Stay behind the handle when the motor and fall accidents which can result in is running. severe injury. All slopes require extra cau- • Be sure the area is clear of other people tion. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not before mowing. Stop machine if anyone mow it. enters the area. • Do not operate the mower when bare- foot or wearing open sandals. Always wear substantial foot wear. • Do not pull mower backwards unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while moving backwards. • 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. • Do not operate the mower without the entire grasscatcher, discharge guard, rear guard or other safety protective DO: • Mow across the face of slopes: never up and down. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes. • Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc. • Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall grass can hide obstacles. DO NOT: • Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or embankments. The operator could lose footing or balance. • Do not cut excessively steep slopes. • Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced footing could cause slipping. III. CHILDREN devices in place and working. Tragic accidents can occur if the opera- • Never leave a running machine unat- tor is not alert to the presence of chil- tended. dren. Children are often attracted to the • See manufacturer's instructions for machine and the mowing activity. Never proper operation and installation of assume that children will remain where accessories. Only use accessories ap- you last saw them. proved by the manufacturer. • Keep children out of the mowing area • Stop the motor when crossing gravel and under the watchful care of another drives, walks, or roads. responsible adult. • Stop the motor whenever you leave the • Be alert and turn machine off if children equipment, before cleaning the mower enter the area. or unclogging the chute. • Before and while walking backwards, • Shut the motor off and wait until the look behind and down for small children. blade comes to complete stop before Use extra care when approaching blind removing grass catcher. corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects • Mow only in daylight or good artificial that may obscure vision. light. • The mower is not a toy. It can be very • Do not operate the machine while under dangerous; children should not use this the influence of alcohol or drugs. mower. Only responsible adults who have • Never operate machine in rain or on wet read the manual and understood all instruc- grass. Always be sure of your footing: tions should operate this mower. 3