Ryobi RY401021 - Page 7

3 - English
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
and keys. The battery or conductor may overheat and
cause burns.
■ Clear the work area before each use. Remove all objects
such as rocks, tree nuts, sticks, metal, wire, bones, toys,
or other objects which can be thrown by the blade.Stay
behind the handle when the motor is running.
■ Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the
off-position before connecting to battery pack, picking
up or carrying the appliance. Carrying the appliance with
yourfinger on the switch or energizing appliance that have
the switch on invites accidents.
■ When battery pack is not in use, keep it away from other
metal objects, like paper clips, coins, keys, nails, screws
or other small metal objects, that can make a connec 
tion from one terminal to another. Shorting the battery
terminals together may cause burns or a fire.
■ Under abusive conditions, liquid may be ejected from
the battery; avoid contact. If contact accidentally occurs,
flush with water. If liquid contacts eyes, additionally seek
medical help. Liquid ejected from the battery may cause
irritation or burns.
■ Do not use a battery pack or appliance that is damaged
or modified. Damaged or modified batteries may exhibit
unpredictable behavior resulting in fire, explosion or risk
of injury.
■ Do not expose a battery pack or appliance to fire or
excessive temperature. Exposure to fire or temperature
above 265 0 F may cause explosion.
■ Follow all charging instructions and do not charge the
battery pack or appliance outside of the temperature
range specified in the instructions. Charging improperly
or at temperatures outside of the specified range may
damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.
■ Do not modify or attempt to repair the appliance or the
battery pack (as applicable) except as indicated in the
instructions for use and care.
■ Avoid holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, property stakes, or other
hidden objects. Uneven terrain could cause a slip and fall
accident.
■ Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.
■ Mow across the face of slopes, never up and down.
Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on
slopes.
■ Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of material
toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders and the like. Also,
avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction,
which may cause the material to ricochet back toward
the operator.
■ Do not mow on wet grass or excessively steep slopes.
Poor footing could cause a slip and fall accident. Walk,
never run.
■ Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may block your view.
■ Do not pull the mower backward unless absolutely nec 
essary. If you must back the mower away from a wall or
obstruction, first look down and behind to avoid tripping
or pulling the mower over your feet.
■ 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.
■ Objects struck by the lawn mower blade can cause severe
injuries to persons. The lawn should always be carefully
examined and cleared of all objects prior to each mowing.
■ If the lawn mower strikes a foreign object, follow these
steps:
• Stop the lawn mower by releasing the blade control
lever, wait until the blade comes to a complete stop,
and then remove start key.
• Thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage.
• Replace the blade if it is damaged in any way. Repair
any damage before restarting and continuing to operate
the mower.
■ Stop the motor, wait until the blade comes to a complete
stop, and remove start key before unclogging the chute.
The cutting blade continues to rotate for a few seconds
after the motor is shut off. Never place any part of the
body in the blade area until you are sure the blade has
stopped rotating.
■ If the mower should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the
motor, remove the start key, and check immediately for
the cause. Replace the blade if it is unevenly worn or
damaged in any way. Vibration is generally a warning of
trouble.
■ Service on the product must be performed by qualified
repair personnel only. Service or maintenance performed
by unqualified personnel could result in injury to the user
or damage to the product.
■ The grass catcher assembly is subject to deterioration
and wear and should be checked each time the mower is
used. If replacement is needed, make sure the new grass
catcher meets original manufacturer ’ s recommendations
and specifications.
■ Use only authorized replacement parts when servicing
the product. Use identical replacement blades only. Use
of unauthorized parts may create-a risk of serious injury
to the user, or damage to the product.
■ Maintain orreplace safetyinstructions labels, as necessary.
■ Disconnect battery and remove start key. Disconnect
battery pack and remove start key from the appliance
before storing, servicing, or changing accessories such
as blades. Such preventive safety measures reduce the
risk of starting the tool accidentally.
■ Stop the unit and disconnect battery pack and start key
when not in use. Carry or push the unit with the motor
stopped and the start key removed from the mower.