Troy-Bilt 258 Lawn Mower User Manual


 
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SECTION 1: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
WARNING: This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could
endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in
this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may
result in personal injury. When you see this symbol - heed its warning.
WARNING: Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle
components contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
DANGER: This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this
manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can
result in serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects.
Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.
General Operation
1. Read this operator’s manual carefully in its entirety
before attempting to assemble this machine. Read,
understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual(s) before operation. Be
completely familiar with the controls and the proper
use of this machine before operating it. Keep this
manual in a safe place for future and regular
reference and for ordering replacement parts.
2. This machine is a precision piece of power
equipment, not a plaything. Therefore, exercise
extreme caution at all times. Your unit has been
designed to perform one job: to cut vegetation and
grass. Do not use it for any other purpose.
3. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate
this machine. Children 14 years old and over
should read and understand the operation
instructions and safety rules in this manual and
should be trained and supervised by an adult. Only
responsible individuals who are familiar with these
rules of safe operation should be allowed to use
this machine.
4. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment
is to be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire,
bones, toys, and other foreign objects which could
be tripped over or picked up and thrown by the
string trimmer mower in any direction which could
cause serious personal injury to the operator or any
others allowed in the area. Plan your trimming
pattern to avoid discharge of material toward
building, walls, roads, sidewalks, bystanders and
the like. To help avoid trimmer line contact or a
thrown object injury, keep children, bystanders, and
helpers at least 75 feet from the string trimmer
mower while it is in operation. Stop the string
trimmer mower if anyone enters the area.
5. Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles
during operation or while performing an adjustment
or repair, to protect eyes from foreign objects that
may be thrown from the machine in any direction.
6. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-
fitting slacks and shirts. Shirts and pants that cover
the arms and legs and steel-toed shoes are
recommended. Never operate a unit in bare feet,
sandals, slippery or light weight (e.g. canvas)
shoes.
7. Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating
parts. Keep clear of discharge area at all times as
the rotating trimmer head and lines can cause
injury.
8. Never pull the string trimmer mower back toward
you while you are walking. If you must back the
string trimmer mower away from a wall or
obstruction first look down and behind, and then
follow these steps:
a. Step back from the string trimmer mower to
fully extend your arms.
b. Be sure you are well balanced with sure
footing.
c. Pull the string trimmer mower back slowly, no
more than half way toward you.
d. Repeat these steps as needed.
5. Do not operate the string trimmer mower while
under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
6. The trimmer head 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
head or lines. The trimmer head control handle
must operate easily in both directions and
automatically return to the disengaged position
when released.
7. Disengage the trimmer head before starting the
engine.
8. Never operate the string trimmer mower in wet
grass. 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 trimmer head
control handle immediately and the trimmer head
will stop rotating within a few seconds.