Ryobi RY401021 - Important Safety Instructions

2 — English
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
■ Stay alert - Watch what you are doing and use common
sense when operating the lawn mower. Do not operate
the mower while tired, upset, or under the influence of
drugs, alcohol, or medication. A moment of inattention
while operating the lawn mower may result in serious
personal injury.
■ Maintain lawn mower with care - Keep machine in good
working condition. Keep blades sharp and guards in place
and in working order. Replace damaged or unevenly worn
blades before using mower for best performance.
■ Check all nuts, bolts, and screws at frequent intervals for
proper tightness to be sure the equipment is in safe work 
ing condition. Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or
wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.
■ Do not dispose of the battery in a fire. The cell may
explode. Check with local codes for possible special
disposal instructions.
■ Stop the motor, wait until the blade comes to a complete
stop, and remove the start key and battery pack before
performing any maintenance, cleaning the lawn mower,
removing the grass catcher, or removing the mulching
plug.
■ Never use a hose, water, or any liquids to clean or
rinse off the lawn mower. Corrosive liquids, water, fer
tilizers, and chemicals used to treat lawns can enter the
lawn mower and/or battery compartment and damage
electronic components and/or the battery pack, which can
result in a short circuit, increased risk of fire, and serious
personal injury. Remove any buildup of grass and leaves
on or around the mower housing and/or underneath the
mower deck. Wipe the mower clean with a dry cloth oc 
casionally.
■ Replace blade if it is bent or cracked. An unbalanced
blade causes vibration that could damage the motor drive
unit orcause personal injury. Sharpen a dull blade equally
at each end to maintain the balance. Mount a nail that
is perfectly horizontal and level, allowing enough room
above and below the nail for the blade to rotate freely
without striking any surface. Clean the blade thoroughly
and check its balance by supporting it horizontally on
the nail through its center hole. If either end of the blade
rotates downward, remove some metal by sharpening it
more on the heavier side until the blade is balanced. It is
balanced when neither end drops.
■ Always use safety protective devices. Do not operate the
mower without the entire grass catcher or mulching plug
and rear discharge door in place and working properly.
■ Do not open or mutilate the battery. Released electrolyte
is corrosive and may cause damage to the eyes or skin.
It may be toxic if swallowed.
■ Follow manufacturer ’ s instructions for proper operation
and installation of accessories. Only use accessories
approved by the manufacturer. 3
■ Exercise care in handling batteries in order notto short the
battery with conducting materials such as rings, bracelets,
A WARNING:
READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL INSTRUCTIONS.
Failure to follow all instructions listed below and on the
machine may result in electric shock, fire, and/or serious
personal injury.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
■ This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and
feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe all safety
instructions could result in serious injury or death.
■ Avoid dangerous environment - Do not use the lawn
mower in damp or wet conditions or operate in the rain.
■ Keep children away - Keep all bystanders, children, and
pets at least 100 ft. away. Stop machine if anyone enters
the area.
■ 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 a responsible adult other than the
operator.
• Be alert and turn mower off if a child enters the area.
• Never allow children to operate the machine.
• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may block your view of a
child.
■ Dress properly - Wear heavy, long pants, long sleeves,
gloves, and protective footwear that will protect your
feet and improve your footing on slippery surfaces. Do
not wear loose fitting clothing, short pants, sandals, or
go barefoot. Do not wear jewelry of any kind. They can
be caught in moving parts.
■ Don ’ t overreach - Keep proper footing and balance at all
times. Overreaching can result in loss of balance.
■ Do not leave the mower unattended while running or with
the start key installed.
■ Keep hands and feet away from cutting area. Keep clear
of the discharge opening at all times.
■ Operate the lawn mower only in daylight or good artificial
light.
■ Use safety glasses - Always wear eye protection with
side shields marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1 . Use face
mask if operation is dusty.
■ Use the right appliance - Do not use the lawn mower for
any job except that for which it is intended.
■ Do not force the lawn mower - it will do the job better
and safer at the rate for which it was designed.
■ Do not charge batteries in rain, or in wet locations.