Recommendations for Operation of a Power Lawnmower

 

Types of powered mowers:

(1) push mower with gasoline engine

(2) push mower with battery-powered engine

(3) push mower with electric motor using a cable

(4) riding mower with gasoline engine

 

General recommendations:

(1) Always read and follow the operator's manual.

(2) Do not allow children younger than 14 years of age to operate the mower.

(3) Keep bystanders, especially children, away from the area being mowed.

(4) Keep safety guards, shields and other devices operational and in place.

(5) Remove objects from the lawn that could be thrown by the blade.

(6) Keep the mower blade sharp.

(7) Wear sturdy shoes with grip soles.

(8) Start and refuel mowers outdoors. Do not start the mower while inside a garage or shed.

(9) Refuel the mower only when the motor is turned off and cool.

(10) Make sure that an adult adjusts the wheel height and dislodges any debris from the mower while the mower is off. If working beneath the mower then the spark plug should be disconnected or removed.

(11) Do not cut the grass when it is wet.

(12) Wear proper eye protection.

 

Recommendations for a walk-behind, push mower:

(1) When on a slope, mow across the slope, not up and down.

(2) Use only a mower that has a control bar for stopping the mower when the bar is released. (The "dead man's" bar is intended to prevent the lawnmower running away if the operator slipped or collapsed).

(3) Push the mower forward. Do not pull backward.

 

Additional recommendations for an electric walk-behind, push mower:

(1) If using an electric mower, start near the electric outlet and move gradually away, being careful to avoid cutting the electric cord.

(2) Use only electric cords in good repair, without breaks or improper grounding.

(3) Do not cut the grass when it is wet.

 

Recommendations for a riding lawnmower:

(1) When on a slope, drive up and down, not across.

(2) If the machine stops while mowing uphill, disengage the blade first, then back straight down the hill slowly.

(3) Avoid making sudden stops.

(4) Make slow, wide turns in order to avoid tipping over.