Safety Rules - Craftsman 917.373841 Owner's Manual

SAFETY RULES
PLUG TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL STARTING WHEN SETTING UP, TRANSPORTING, ADJUSTING OR MAKING
REPAIRS. IMPORTANT
SAFETY STANDARDS REQUIRE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLS TO MINIMIZE THE RISK OF INJURY° YOUR UNIT IS EQUIPPED WITH
SUCH CONTROLS° DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DEFEAT THE FUNCTION OF THE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLS UNDER ANY ClRCUM-
STANCES_
TRAINING:
" Read this operator's manual carefully Become familiar with
the controts and know how to operate your mower properly
Learn how to quickly stop mower.
• Do not allow children to use your mower. Never allow adults
to use mower without proper instructions.
• Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, especially
small children and pets
• Use mower only as the manufacturer intended and as de-
scribed in this manual
° Do not operate mower if it has been dropped or damaged in
any manner Always have damage repaired before using
your mower
• Do not use accessory attachments that are not recommended
by the manufacturer Use of such attachments may be
hazardous
• Be aware that the blade turns when the engine is running
PREPARATION:
', Always thoroughly check the area to be mowed and clear it of
all stones, sticks, wires, bones, and other foreign objects
These objects will be thrown by the blade and can cause
severe injury
° Always wear safety glasses or eye shields when starting and
while using your mower
• Dress properly Do not operate mower when barefoot or
wearing open sandals. Wear only solid shoes with good
traction when mowing.
° Check fuel tank before starting engine Do not fill gas tank
indoors, when the engine is running orwhen the engine is hot
Allow the engine to cool for several minutes before filling the
gas tank.. Clean off any spilled gasoline before starting the
engine..
• Always make wheel height adjustments before starting your
mower. Never attempt to do this while the engine is running.
,, Mow only in daylight or good artificial light
OPERATION:
,, Keep your eyes and mind on your mower and the area being
cut Do not let other interests distract you
° Do not mow wet or slippery grass Never run while operating
your mower. Always be sure of your footing - keep a firm hold
on the handles and walk
• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts Keep
clear of the discharge opening at all times.
° Always stop the blade whenever you leave or are not using
your mower, or before crossing driveways, walks, roads, and
any gravel-covered areas
• Never direct discharge of material toward bystanders nor
aIIow anyone near the mower while you are operating iL
• Before cleaning, inspecting, or repairing your mower, stop
the engine and make absolutely sure the blade and all
moving parts have stopped Then disconnect the spark plug
wire and keep it away fiom the spark plug to prevent
accidental starting.
• Do not continue to run your mower if you hit a foreign object
Follow the procedure outlined above, then repair any dam-
age before restarting and operating you mower
• Do not change the governor settings or overspeed the
engine.. Engine damage or personal injury may result
° Do not operate your mower if it vibrates abnormaUy.. Exces-
sive vibration is an indication of damage; stop the engine,
safely check for the cause of vibr alien and repair as required
• Do not run the engine indoors. Exhaust fumes are danger*
OUS,
• Never cut grass by pulling the mower towards you Mow
across the face of slopes, never up and down oryou might
lose your footing Do not mow excessively steep slopes.
Use caution when operating the mower' on uneven terrain or
when changing directions - maintain good footing
• Never operate your mower without proper guards, prates,
grass catcher or other safety devices in place.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:
" Check the blade and the engine mounting bolts often to be
sure they are tightened propedy.
• Check all bolts, nuts and screws at frequent intervals for
proper tightness to be sure mower is in safe working condi-
tion.
• Keep all safety devices in place and working.
• To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free of grass, leaves
or excessive grease and oil
• Check grass catcher often for deterioration and wear and
replace worn bags Use only replacement bags that are
recommended by and comply with specifications of the
manufacturer of your mower.
• Always keep a sharp blade on your mower.
,, Allow engine to coo] before storing in any enclosurev
• Never store mower with fuel in the tank inside a building
where fumes may reach an open flame or an ignition source
such as a hot water heater, space heater, clothes dryer, etc
HI ,HI HHIHIIHI I lll I,H_
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LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL TO POINT OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.
IT MEANS- ATTENTIONH! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED. !
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