Safety Rules - Craftsman 917.249491 Owner's Manual

SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH,
GENERAL OPERATION
Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual
and on the machine before starting
Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the
instructions, to operate the machine
Ctear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc, which
could be picked up and thrown by the blade.
Be sure the area +sclear of other people before mowing Stop
machine if anyone enters the area
Never carry passengers
DO not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary Always
look down and behind before and while backing.
Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point
it at anyone Do not operate the mower without either the
entire grass catcher or the guard in place
Slow down before turning
Never leave a running machine unattended Always turn off
blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys
before dismounting
Turn off blades when not mowing
Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging
chute
Mow only in daylight or good artificial light
Do not operate the machine while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs
Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways
Use extra care when Ioad!ng or unloading the machine into a
trailer or truck
IL SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss+of-control and tipover
accidents, which can result in severe in ury or death. All slopes
requireextracaution Ifyoucannotbackuptheslopeor fyoufeel
uneasy on it, do not mow it
DO:
Mow up and down slopes, not across
Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc
Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps+ Uneven terrain could
overturn the machine Tafl grass can hide obstacles.
Use slew speed Choose a low gear so that you will not have
to stop or shift while on the slope
• Followthe man ufacturer's recommendations for wheel weights
or counterweights to improve stability
Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments
These can change the stability of the machine
Keep all movement on the slopes slowand gradual Do not
make sudden changes in speed or direction+
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope If tires lose traction,
disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the
slope
DO NOT:
Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly
end gradually downhill, if possible
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. "['he
mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of
a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.
Do not mow on wet g+:ass Reduced traction could cause
sliding
Do not try to siabilize the machine by putting your foot on the
ground
Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes
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 Neverassume 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 when backing, took behind and down for small
children
Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously
injured or interfere with the safe machine operation
• Never allow children to operate the machine
Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision
IV. SERVICE
• Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels They
are flammable and vapors are explosive
Use only an approved container
Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine
running Allow engine to cool before refueling Do not
smoke
Never refuel the machine indoors,
Never store the machine or fuel container inside where
there is an open flame, such as a water heater
Never run a machine inside a closed area
Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight
and keep equipment in good condition
. Never tamper with safety devices Check their proper
operation regularly
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up+
Clean oil or fuel spillage Allow machine to cool before
storing
Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object
Repair, if necessary, before restarting,
Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running
Grass catche+ components are subject to wear, damage,
and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow
objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and
replace with manufacturer s recommended parts, when nec-
essary
Mower blades are sharp and can cuL Wrap the blade(s) or
wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them
Check brake operation frequently Adjust and service as
required
I _ Lookforthissymboltopointoutimpor- I
tant safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!If YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
CAUTION: Always disconnect spark
plug wire and place wire where it cannot
contact spark plug in order to prevent
accidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making
repairs.
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