Weed Eater 438181 User Manual

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I. GENERAL OPERATION
•   Read, understand, and follow all 

instructions on the machine and in the 
manual(s) before starting. Be thoroughly 
familiar with the controls and the proper 
use of the machine before starting.

•   Do not put hands or feet near or under 

rotating parts. Keep clear of the dis-
charge opening at all times.

•   Only allow responsible adults, who are 

familiar with the instructions, to operate 
the machine.

•   Clear the area of objects such as rocks, 

toys, wire, sticks, etc., which could be 
picked up and thrown by the blade.  
Stay behind the handle when the motor 
is running.

•   Be sure the area is clear of other people 

before mowing. Stop machine if anyone 
enters the area.

•   Do not operate the mower when bare-

foot or wearing open sandals. Always 
wear substantial foot wear.

•   Do not pull mower backwards unless 

absolutely necessary. Always look down 
and behind before and while moving 
backwards.

•   Never direct discharged material toward 

anyone. Avoid discharging material 
against a wall or obstruction. Material 
may ricochet back toward the operator. 
Stop the blade when crossing gravel 
surfaces.

•   Do not operate the mower without the 

entire grasscatcher, discharge guard, 
rear guard or other safety protective 
devices in place and working.

•   Never leave a running machine unat-

tended.

•   See manufacturer’s instructions for 

proper operation and installation of 
accessories. Only use accessories ap-
proved by the manufacturer.

•   Stop the motor when crossing gravel 

drives, walks, or roads.

•   Stop the motor whenever you leave the 

equipment, before cleaning the mower 
or unclogging the chute.

•   Shut the motor off and wait until the 

blade comes to complete stop before 
removing grass catcher.

•   Mow only in daylight or good artifi cial 

light.

•   Do not operate the machine while under 

the infl uence of alcohol or drugs.

•   Never operate machine in rain or on wet 

grass. Always be sure of your footing: 

keep a fi rm hold on the handle and 
walk; never run.

•   Disengage the self-propelled mecha-

nism on mowers so equipped before 
starting the motor.

•   If the equipment should start to vibrate 

abnormally, stop the motor and check 
immediately for the cause.  

•   Vibration is generally a warning of 

trouble.

•   Always wear safety goggles or safety 

glasses with side shields when operat-
ing mower.

II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to slip 
and fall accidents which can result in 
severe injury. All slopes require extra cau-
tion. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not 
mow it.
DO:
•   Mow across the face of slopes: never 

up and down. Exercise extreme caution 
when changing direction on slopes.

•   Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree 

limbs, etc.

•   Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall 

grass can hide obstacles.

DO NOT:
•   Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or 

embankments. The operator could lose 
footing or balance.

•   Do not cut excessively steep slopes.
•   Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced 

footing could cause slipping.

III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is 
not alert to the presence of children. Children 
are often attracted to the machine and the 
mowing activity. Never assume that children 
will remain where you last saw them.
•   Keep children out of the mowing area 

and under the watchful care of another 
responsible adult.

•   Be alert and turn machine off if children 

enter the area.

•   Before and while walking backwards, 

look behind and down for small children. 
Use extra care when approaching blind 
corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects 
that may obscure vision.

•   The mower is not a toy. It can be very 

dangerous; children should not use this 
mower. Only responsible adults who 
have read the manual and understood 
all instructions should operate this 
mower.