General Operation - Craftsman 917.27223 Owner's Manual

IMPORTANT: This cutting m achine iscapable ofamputating hands a nd
feet and
throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in
sedous injury or death.
I. 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.
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks,
toys wire, etc., which could be picked
up and thrown by the bade.
• Be sure the area is clear of other
people before mowing. Stop machine if
anyone enters the area.
• Never carry passengers.
• Do not mow in reverse unless abso-
lutely necessary. Always leek 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 fuming.
• Never leave a running machine
unattended. Always turn off blades, set
_arking brake, stop engine, and remove
eys before dismounting.
• Tum 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 loading or
unloading the machine into a trailer or
truck.
• Data indicates that operators, age 60
i/aearsand above, are involved in a
rge percentage of dding mower-
related injudes. These ol_erators
should evaluate their abihty to operate
the dding mower safely enough to
protect themselves and others from
serious injury.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves or
other debris build-up which can touch
hot exhaust / engine parts and bum.
Do not allow the mower deck to plow
leaves or other debris which can cause
build-up to occur. Clean any oil or fuel
spillage before operating or stodng the
machine. Allow machine to cool before
storage.
I1. 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
require extra caut on. f you caneot back up
the slope or if you feel 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. Tall grass can hide ob-
stacles.
• Use slow speed. Choose a low gear
so that you will not have to stop or shift
while on the slope.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommen-
dations for wheel weights or counter-
weights 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 slow
and 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 neces-
sary, and then, turn sloWlyand gradu-
ally downhill, if possible.
• Do not mow near drep-offs, ditches, or
embankments. The mower could
suddenly turn over if a wheel is over
the edge of a cliffor ditch,or if an edge
caves in.
• De not mow on wet grass. Reduced
traction could cause sliding.
• Do not try to stabilize the machine by
putting your foot on the ground.
• Do not use grass catcher on steep
slopes.