General Operation; Slope Operation - Craftsman 917.27224 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
serious injury or death.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all
instructionsin 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 couldbe picked
up and thrown by the blade.
• Be sure the area is cleer 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
directionand do not point it at anyone.
Do not operate the mower withouteither
the entire grass catcher or the guard in
place.
• Slow down before turning.
• Never leave a running machine
unattended. Always turnoff blades, set
perking 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.
• 0o not operate the machine while under
the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Watch for trafilc when operatingnear or
crossing roadways.
• Use extra care when loading or unload-
ing the machine into a trailer or truck.
• Data indicates that operators, age 60
years and above, are involved in a large
percentage of riding mower#elated
injuries. These operators should
evaluate their ability to operate the riding
mower safely enough to protect them-
salves 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 storing the
machine. Allow machine to cool before
storage.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
SIopee are a ma_orfactor related to toss--of-
control and tipover accidents, which can re-
suil in severe Injury or death. All slopes
require extra caution. If you cannotback up
the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not
mow it.
DO:
• Mow up and down dopes, not across.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks,tree
limbs,etc.
Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven
terrain could overturn the machine. Ta//
grass can hide obstac/es.
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 recommenda-
tions for wheel weights or counter-
weights to improve stability.
Use extra care with grass catchers or
other attachments. These can change
the stabilityof the machine.
Keep all movement on the dopes stow
and gradual. Do not make sudden
changes in speed or direction.
Avoid sta_ng or stoppingon a slope. If
tires lose traction, disengage the blades
and proceed slowly straightdown the
slope.
DO NOT:
• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary,
and then, turn slewiy and gradually
downhill, if possible.
• Do notmow near drepoffs, ditches,or
embankments. The mower coule
suddenly turn over If a wheal is over the
edge of a cliffor ditch,or if an edge
caves _.
• DO notmow on wet grass. Reduced
tractioncould cause sliding.
• Oo net try to stabilizethe machiee by
putting your foot on the ground.
• Do notuse grass catcher on steep
slopes.