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discharged material to ricochet back toward the operator.
• To help avoid blade contact or an injury from thrown objects, stay in the operator zone
behind the handles and keep children, bystanders, helpers and pets at least 100 feet (30m)
from the mower while it is in operation. Stop the machine if anyone enters the area.
• Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during operation and while performing an
adjustment or repair to protect your eyes. Thrown objects that ricochet can cause serious
injury to the eyes. Always use a face or dust mask if the operation is dusty.
• Dress properly – Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. They can be caught in moving parts.
Use of rubber gloves and footwear is recommended when working outdoors. Wear sturdy,
rough-soled work shoes and close-tting slacks and shirts. Shirts and pants that cover the
arms and legs and steel-toed shoes are recommended. Never operate this machine in bare
feet, sandals, slippery or lightweight (e.g., canvas) shoes.
• Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the cutting deck. Contact with the blade
can amputate hands and feet.
• A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause blade contact or injuries from thrown
objects.
• Many injuries occur as a result of the mower being pulled over the foot during a fall caused
by slipping or tripping. Do not hold onto the mower if you are falling; immediately release the
handle.
• Never pull the mower back toward you while you are walking. If you must back the mower
away from a wall or obstruction, rst look down and behind you to avoid tripping, and then
follow these steps:
– Step back from mower to fully extend your arms.
– Be sure you are well balanced with sure footing.
– Pull the mower back slowly, no more than half way toward you.
– Repeat these steps as needed.
• Do not operate the mower while under the inuence of alcohol or drugs.
• Stay alert – watch what you are doing. Use common sense. Do not operate the lawn mower
when you are tired.
• The motor/blade control handle is a safety device. Never attempt to bypass its operation.
Doing so makes the safety device inoperative and may result in personal injury through
contact with the rotating blade. The motor/blade control handle must operate easily in both
directions and automatically return to the disengaged position when released.
• Avoid dangerous environments – Don’t use lawn mowers in damp or wet locations so as to
avoid slipping and falling during operation.
• Always be sure of your footing. A slip and fall can cause serious personal injury. If you feel
you are losing your footing, release the motor/blade control handle immediately and the
blade will stop rotating within three seconds.
• Mow only in daylight or good articial light. Walk, never run while operating.
• Stop the blade when crossing gravel drives, walks or roads.
• If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, immediately stop the motor, remove the
battery and check for the cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
• Never operate the mower without the proper trailing shield, discharge cover, grass bag,
mulching insert, side discharge chute, motor/blade control handle or other safety protective
devices in place and working. Never operate the mower with damaged safety devices.
Failure to do so can result in personal injury.
• Always stop the motor before making adjustments to a wheel or a cutting-height adjustment.
• If situations occur that are not covered in this manual, use care and good judgment. Contact
SKIL Customer Service for assistance.