Safe Operation Practices - Craftsman 247.240193 Operator's Manual

WARNING
This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not
followed, could endanger the personal safety and/or property of
yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual
before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these
instructions may result in personal injury. When you see this symbol, HEED
ITS WARNING!
WARNING
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components
contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and
reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all instructions on your equipment and in their
manuals before attempting to assemble and operate. Keep this manual in
a safe place for future and regular reference and for ordering replacement
parts.
• To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury, keep bystanders,
helpers, children and pets at least 75 feet from the mower while it is in
operation. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used. Remove
all stones, sticks, wire, bones, toys, and other foreign objects which could
be picked up and thrown by the blade(s). Thrown objects can cause serious
personal injury.
• Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during operation and while
performing an adjustment or repair to protect your eyes. Thrown objects
which ricochet can cause serious injury to the eyes.
• Do not operate the mower without the discharge cover or entire grass
catcher in its proper place. A missing or damaged discharge cover or grass
bag attachment component may result in thrown objects or blade contact
injuries.
• Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the cutting deck.
Contact with the blade(s) can amputate hands and feet.
• Shut off mower's engine and wait for blades to come to a complete stop
before unclogging mower's discharge opening or bagger parts.
• Slow down before turning. Operate the machine smoothly. Avoid erratic
operation and excessive speed. Be aware that a grass catcher attachment can
affect the handling characteristics of your mower.
• Disengage blade(s), set parking brake, stop engine and wait until the
blade(s) come to a complete stop before opening bagger attachment's top
cover, removing grass catcher, emptying grass, unclogging chute, removing
any grass or debris, or making any adjustments.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
This machine was built to be operated according to the safe operation
practices in this manual. As with any type of power equipment,
carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious injury.
This machine is capable of amputating fingers, hands, toes and feet and
throwing debris. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could
result in serious injury or death.
Your Responsibility—Restrict the use of this power machine to
persons who read, understand and follow the warnings and instructions in
this manual and on the machine.
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SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-over accidents which can
result in severe injury or death. All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back
up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.
For your safety, use the Slope Guide included as part of this manual to measure
slopes before operating this machine on a sloped or hilly area. If the slope is greater
than 10 degrees as shown on the Slope Guide, do not operate this machine on that
area or serious injury could result.
Do:
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DANGER
WARNING
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off blade(s), place
transmission in neutral, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key
before dismounting.
Your machine is designed to cut normal residential grass of a height no more
than 10". Do not attempt to mow through unusually tall, dry grass (e.g.,
pasture) or piles of dry leaves. Dry grass or leaves may contact the engine
exhaust and/or build up on the mower deck presenting a potential fire
hazard.
If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use care and good
judgment.
Mow up and down slopes, not across. Exercise extreme caution when
changing direction on slopes.
Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain
could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
Use slow speed. Choose a low enough speed setting so that you will not have
to stop or shift while on the slope. Tires may lose traction on slopes even
though the brakes are functioning properly. Always keep machine in gear
when going down slopes to take advantage of engine braking action.
Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel weights or
counterweights to improve stability.