5. If the batteries break open and electrolyte
(dilute sulfuric acid) contacts skin or clothing,
wash immediately with running water. If elec-
trolyte gets into your eyes, rinse them out with
clear water and seek medical attention right
away.
6. As service life of the batteries ends, their
capacity and operation time decrease. Contact
your nearest Makita Service Center or Dis-
tributor to replace them with new batteries.
7. When replacing batteries, all batteries should
be replaced at the same time. Mixing fresh and
discharged batteries could increase internal
cell pressure and rupture the discharged bat-
tery.
8. When inserting batteries into this product, the
proper polarity or direction must be observed.
Reverse direction of batteries can result in
leakage or explosion.
9. Never expose mower or batteries to flames,
fire or great heat. Breakage may cause release
of injurious material.
TIPS FOR MAINTAINING MAXIMUM RUN
PERFORMANCE AND BATTERY LIFE
1. Charge the mower immediately after pur-
chase.
2. Always recharge the mower after each use
without fail.
3. We recommend that you leave the charger
connected to the mower even after the charg-
ing cycle is complete. The charger will switch
into its ‘‘maintenance charge (trickle charge)’’
mode and keep the battery fresh and fully
charged.
4. Be sure to charge the mower every six months
when it is left uncharged for long periods. If
you fail to do so, the mower may become
unchargeable.
ADDITIONAL SAFETY RULES
FOR CHARGER
1. The Makita charger Model DC240 is specifi-
cally designed to charge only the Makita bat-
teries used in Model UM401D. Do not attempt
to charge any other battery with this charger.
2. Handle the charger carefully. Do not drop or
strike it.
3. Never carry the charger by cord or yank it to
disconnect from receptacle.
4. Keep cord from heat, oil, chemicals, and sharp
edges.
5. Use only a power source of the same voltage
as indicated on the nameplate of the charger
when charging.
6. Do not attempt to use a step-up transformer,
an engine generator, a DC-AC inverter or DC
power receptacle.
7. Charge mower at a room temperature between
5°C (41°F) and 40°C (104°F).
8. Do not charge in place exposed to direct
sunlight.
9. Do not charge lawn mower in rain, or in wet
locations.
10. Do not allow the charger to get wet.
11. Do not charge inside a box or container of any
kind.
12. Do not charge near volatile, flammable mate-
rials such as gasoline, paint, gas, adhesive,
etc.
13. Do not charge on top of paper, carpet, vinyl
sheeting, cloth materials, etc.
14. Do not allow anything to cover or clog the
charger vents. Do not attempt to insert any-
thing into the vents.
15. Do not touch the charger with wet hands.
16. Do not charge in dusty place.
17. Stop charging immediately if you notice any-
thing abnormal. Ship or take the charger and
the mower to your nearest Makita Service
Center or Distributor for checking them.
18. Do not attempt to disassemble or make modi-
fications to the charger.
19. Do not put any metal object or foreign matter
into the charging plug. Short circuit will occur,
causing a burn injury and charger breakdown.
20. This charger incorporates parts such as
switches and relays that are likely to produce
arcs or sparks; therefore, when charging
mower in a garage or similar location, locate
the charger in a room or enclosure provided
for this purpose.
ADDITIONAL SAFETY RULES
FOR MOWER
1. DO NOT INSERT KEY INTO MOWER UNTIL IT
IS READY TO BE USED.
2. Don’t grasp the exposed cutting blades or
cutting edges when picking up or holding the
appliance.
3. Physical Condition — Do not operate mower
while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or
any medication.
4. Keep guards in place and in working order.
5. Keep hands and feet away from rotating
blades. Caution — Blades coast after turn off.
6. Remove key before servicing, cleaning or
removing material from the gardening appli-
ance.
7. Use only Makita genuine blades specified in
this manual.
8. Check the blades carefully for cracks or dam-
age before operation. Replace cracked or
damaged blades immediately.
9. Remove foreign matters such as rocks, wire,
bottles, bones and large sticks from the work
area before cutting to prevent personal injury
or damage to the appliance.
10. Stop operation immediately if you notice any-
thing abnormal. Switch off the appliance and
remove the key from the appliance. Then
inspect the appliance.
UM401DW (E) (’97. 4. 11)
5
