1. SAFETY
GENERAL SAFETY REGULATIONS
Read carefully before using the machine.
A) TRAINING
1) Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the controls and the pro -
per use of the equipment. Learn how to stop the engine quickly.
2) Only use the machine for the purpose for which it was made, that is, the
cutting and collection of grass. Any use not specifically indicated in the
Operatorʼs Manual can be dangerous and result in damage to the machine,
and will also result in the annulling of the warranty and the manufacturer
declining all responsibility.
3) Never allow children or people unfamiliar with these instructions to use
the machine. Local regulations may restrict the age of the operator.
4) Never use the machine:
– when people, especially children, or pets are nearby.
– if the operator has taken medicine or substances that can affect his abi li -
ty to react and concentrate.
5) Keep in mind that the operator or user is responsible for accidents or haz-
ards occurring to other people or their property.
6) Do not carry passengers.
7) The operator of a machine must carefully follow the driving instructions,
particularly:
– the need for care and concentration when using machines;
– that control of a machine sliding on a slope will not be regained by the ap-
plication of the brake. The main reasons for loss of control are:
– insufficient wheel grip;
– being driven too fast;
– inadequate braking;
– the type of machine is unsuitable for its task;
– lack of awareness of the effect of ground conditions, especially slopes;
8) The machine is equipped with a series of safety microswitches and de-
vices which must never be removed, altered or tampered with. Removing
these devices invalidates the warranty and the manufacturer declines any re-
sponsability.
B) PREPARATION
1) While mowing, always wear substantial footwear and long trousers. Do
not operate the equipment when barefoot or wearing open sandals.
2) Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used and re-
move all objects which may be thrown by the machine (stones, sticks, metal
wire, bones, etc.)
3) WARNING: DANGER! - Engine fuel is highly flammable:
– store fuel in containers specifically designed for this purpose;
– refuel using a funnel and outdoors only. Do not smoke while refuelling or
whenever handling the fuel;
– add fuel before starting the engine. Never remove the cap of the fuel tank
or add fuel while the engine is running or when the engine is hot;
– if fuel is spilled, do not attempt to start the engine but move the machine
away from the area of spillage and avoid creating any source of ignition
until the fuel has evaporated and the fumes dispersed;
– replace caps of all fuel tanks and containers securely.
4) Replace faulty silencers.
5) Before using, always carry out a visual inspection, particularly of the blade,
seeing that the screws and cutter assembly are not worn or da maged. Re-
place a worn or damaged blade and screws as a set to preserve balance.
6) Before mowing, attach the discharge opening guards (grass-catcher or
stone-guard).
C) OPERATION
1) Do not operate the engine in a confined space where dangerous carbon
monoxide fumes can collect.
2) Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
3) Avoid operating the equipment in wet grass, where feasible.
4) Before starting the engine, disengage the blade, shift the gear lever
( mechanical drive models) or the speed change lever ( hydrostatic drive
models) into neutral and engage the parking brake.
5) Do not use on slopes of more than 10° (17%).
6) Remember there is no such thing as a “safe” slope. Travel on grass slopes
WARNING!
requires particular care. To guard against overturning:
– do not stop or start or change direction suddenly when on slopes, and keep
to a moderate speed;
– engage clutch slowly, always keep the machine in gear ( mechanical
drive models) or engage the speed change lever slowly both for forward
and reverse movement ( hydrostatic drive models), especially when
travelling downhill;
– reduce speed before taking a slope and during tight turns;
– stay alert for humps and hollows and other hidden hazards;
– never mow across the face of the slope.
7) Stop the blade rotating and put the cutting deck into the highest posi-
tion before crossing surfaces other than grass.
8) Never use the machine to cut grass if the guards are defective, or with-
out the stone-guard and/or grass-catcher in place.
9) Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed the engine.
10) Before leaving the operatorʼs position:
– disengage the blade;
– change into neutral ( mechanical drive models) or make sure that the
speed change lever has returned to the neutral position ( hydrostatic
drive models) and engage the parking brake;
– stop the engine and remove the key.
11) Disengage the blade, stop the engine and remove key:
– before carrying out any work beneath the cutting deck or unclogging the
collector channel;
– before checking, cleaning or working on machine;
– after striking a foreign object. Inspect the machine for damage and make
repairs before restarting and operating the machine;
– if the machine starts to vibrate abnormally (immediately check and remove
the cause of the vibration).
12) Disengage the blade when transporting or not in use. Disengage the
blade and wait for it to stop before emptying the grass-catcher.
13) Stop the engine and disengage the blade:
– before refuelling;
– every time the grass-catcher is removed or replaced.
14) Reduce the throttle setting before stopping the engine and turn the fuel
off at the conclusion of mowing, following the instructions in the manual.
15) Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear of the
discharge opening at all times.
16) The usage of accessories different from those recommended by Honda
may cause damage to the machine that is not covered by the warranty.
D) MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
1) Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the equipment is in safe
working condition. Regular maintenance is essential for safety and for main-
taining performance levels.
2) Never store the equipment with fuel in the tank inside a building where
fumes may reach a flame or a spark or a source of extreme heat.
3) Allow the engine to cool before storing in an enclosed space.
4) To reduce the fire hazard, keep the engine, exhaust silencer, battery com-
partment and fuel storage area free of grass, leaves, or excessive grease.
Always empty the grass-catcher and do not leave garden rubbish contai ners
inside a room.
5) Frequently check the stone-guard, the grass-catcher and the air intake grill
for wear and deterioration. Replace if damaged.
6) For reasons of safety, do not use equipment with worn or damaged
parts. Parts are to be replaced and not repaired. Use genuine spare parts
(the blade should always bear the symbol ). Parts which are not of an equi -
va lent quality can damage the equipment and may adversely affect your sa-
fety.
7) If the fuel tank has to be drained, this should be done outdoors and when
the engine is cool.
8) Wear strong work gloves when removing and reassembling the blade.
9) Check the bladeʼs balance after sharpening.
10) When the machine is to be parked, stored or left unattended, lower the
cutting deck.
11) The ignition key must never be left inserted in the machine, or where chil-
dren or persons not familiar to the machine may reach it. Before any main-
tenance or repair, remove the ignition key.
E) TRANSPORTING
1) If the machine is transported on a truck or trailer, lower the cutting deck,
engage the parking brake and fasten the machine securely with ropes, ca-
bles or chains to the hauling device.
2EN
