Service; Safe Handling Of Gasoline; General Service - Craftsman 917.20408 Operator's Manual

V. SERVICE

SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE

To avoid personal injury or property dam-
age, use extreme care in handling gasoline.
Gasoline is extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive.
• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes,
and other sources of ignition.
• Use only approved gasoline container.
• Never remove gas cap or add fuel with
the engine running.
• Allow engine to cool before refueling.
• Never fuel the machine indoors.
• Never store the machine or fuel container
where there is an open flame, spark, or
pilot light such as on a water heater or
other appliances.
• Never fill containers inside a vehicle or
on a truck or trailer bed with plastic liner.
Always place containers on the ground
away from your vehicle when filling.
• Remove gas-powered equipment from
the truck or trailer and refuel it on the
ground. If this is not possible, then refuel
such equipment with a portable container,
rather than from a gasoline dispenser
nozzle.
• Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim
of the fuel tank or container opening at
all times until fueling is complete. Do not
use a nozzle lock-open device.
• If fuel is spilled on clothing, change cloth-
ing immediately.
• Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas cap
and tighten securely.
SAFETY RULES
Use ear protectors to avoid damage to hearing.
Always wear eye protection when operating machine.

GENERAL SERVICE

• Never operate machine in a closed area.
• Keep all nuts and bolts tight to ensure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices. Never
interfere with the intended function of a
safety device or reduce the protection
provided by a safety device. Check there
proper operation regularly. NEVER oper-
ate a machine with a safety device that
does not function properly.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or
other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel
spillage and remove any fuel-soaked
debris. Allow machine to cool before
storing.
• If you strike a foreign object, stop and
inspect the machine. Repair, if necessary,
before restarting.
• Never make any adjustments or repairs
with the engine running.
• Check grass catcher components and the
discharge chute frequently and replace
with manufacturer's recommended parts,
when necessary.
• Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade
or wear gloves, and use extreme caution
when servicing them.
• Check brake operation frequently. Adjust
and service as required.
• Maintain or replace safety and instruction
labels, as necessary.
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