his 4a.

* A

HOME & GARDEN
Keys to lawn-mower Safety |

nect the battery ground cable be-

THE LAST time most of us thought about our Jawn mower

was in the fall when we pushed it into a

dark corner, hap-

py to have one less chore to do.

But eventually, one bright, sun-
ny morning we all face the fi-
evitable — thar first clipping.

Before you turn a key or pull a
cord, do yourself a favor, Take a
few minutes to think about your
mower and how to use it safely.

It could make the difference be-
tween a summertime full of fun
activity and a serious accident.

Whether you've just bought a
brand-new machine or are simply
dusting off ‘old reliable,’ the key
to mower safety is knowing your
equipment and how to use it pro-
perly.

That means reading the opera-
tor’s manual and familiarizing
yourself with mowing techniques.

Over the seasons, here are sonie
safety tips I try to keep in mind.

@ Dress for tae job. Wear close-
fitting clothes, long slacks and
closed-toe shoes with traction

soles for protection.
Loose clothes can snag on con-

By Bob Tracinski
Contributing Writer

ing to handle fuel with care.

If you smoke, leave cigarettes,
matches and lighters inside so
you're nol tempted to light up.
Add fuel outdoors where there’s
plenty of ventilation and never,
never add fuel when the engine is
running or hot,

@ Cleen up. Move the mower
away from any gasoline that may
have spilled before starting the
engine, Store fuel in an approved
safety container,

@ Check up, Visually inspect
your mower. Make sure all safety
devices are in place and working.

Tighten nuts, bolts and screws
to keep equipment in safe working
condition, Replace worn or
broken parts immediately.

Keep guards and safety shiclds
in Place. | If you haven't had your

44 With a riding mower,
travel up and down a slope
because this is more stable. 99

trols or get caught in moving
parts. Tuck in that shirttail and
avoid dangling jewelry or flowing
scarves,

® Take a hike. Before you mow
for the first time each spring, take
a hike, or at least a walk, around
the lawn.

Pick up any stones, sticks, toys
or other debris that can get caught
in whirling blades and become
unidentified flying objects.

@ Gas up. Be sure to add the
correct fuel or fuel mixture to
your mower. It goes without say-

mower serviced in a while, you
may want to take it to an
authorized service centre for a
maintenance checkup.

@ If it’s not running right, turn it
off! Don't be tempted to make
even the slightest adjustment to
your mower with the engine run-
ning.

Even if you have a “‘hard-
Statter,”’ turn off the mower and
give the engine and muffler time
to cool before working on the
machine.

On riding equipment, discon-

fore working on the electrical
system,

A lawn mower is a powerful cut-
ting too} and like any high-speed
equipment with sharp blades it
needs to be operated with your
complete attention and a preat
deal of respect,

ft only takes a few moments to
make sure that you and) your

equipment are properly prepared

to kick off the new mowing
season,
Investing the time to get to

know your lawn mower and obser-
ving a few basic safety rules will
help prevent mishaps and ensure a
safer mowing season.

Are there any specific safety
tips for mowing in ‘tricky’? areas
like hillsides and around trees?

{f you have sloping ground in
your yard, mow across a slope
with a walk-behind mower.

That way, should you trip and
fall, the mower is less likely to
tumble onto you.

With a riding mower, travel up
and down a slope because this is
more stable.

If a slope is simply too steep to
mow safely, plant a decorative
groundcover to avoid mowing the
area altogether.

Likewise, consider a ground-
cover for tight corners that require
you to mow forward, then back
up.

Spread shredded tree bark or
pine straw along the borders of
the lawn and around trees. This
saves trim time and prevents
damage to trees from the mower
hitting against the trunks,

Fill low spots with soil and
replant grass to avoid turning an
ankle while you mow.

If you have trees on your lawn,
prune lower branches that can
flick an eye or knock you off
balance while mowing.

- Bob Tracinski is consumer in-
formation manager for the John
Deere Lawn & Grounds Care
Division and a certified master

gardener.

moemen vane

gnaennsaen™

Poreder-coated steel patio base
madel K30

, eR

be a

i

i

PRN ceo ath

Saies & Service
all makes including

Electrolux
Tristar

Filter Queen
Kirby

Same location
for your continued service

Arthur Bovill

2433 Marine Dr. (in Dundarave) 922.9335 |

NEW: Exclusive Kneo Lifter

PRO LINE”

Sew Like A Pro

Baby Lock is proud to announce
Q1S, the first and only guic’
threading system for a serger! Simp-
ly push a lever and the lower looper
is threaded, turn the dial and the

needles are threaded! No more
Ssustration, It's quick and easy.

* Rent To Own
© Only $50 Per Month

« Free Lessons
* 3 Mo. No Interest

: 5 5 YEARS.

on burners, hare ‘guard radiant: shields,’ parce:
lainized stest cooking grids, and bummer, controls

‘© YVEAR on olectronic ignition. and galvanized steel componenta.

% Exclusive 4/3/2 thread sewing .
& Built-in narrow rolled hem

» Differential feed

x Adjustable width dial

* Permanent mold aluminum
top, bottom & base castings

* HighTemp baked-on enamel
paint

* Heat-resistant phenolic side
handles

© Chrome plated utility rack

« Heavy duty commercial grade
stainless steel side shelves

* Al-atuminum side shelf
brackels

* Stainless steel fasteners

* Heavy duty porcelainized steel
Vari-Grids

* Pre-tormed ceramic Flare-
Guard Radiant Rock

© Flare-Guard grates

* Continuous spark Sure Start
electronic ignition

* Stainless stee! Cool Touch
contro! panel

* Solid brass control valves

* One-piece pedestal design
(stainless or powder coated
steel)

* Quick Disconnect Sately
Couplers for portable units

¢ independently controtied high-
output twin burners