Craftsman 917.272261 Owner's Manual page 3

IMPORTANT:
This cutting machine s capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in
serious injury or death.
I. GENERAL OPERATION I1. SLOPE OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all
instructionsin the manual and on the
machine before starting.
• Only allow responsible adults, who are
famiUar 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 clear of other people
before mowing. Stop machine if anyone
enters the area.
• Never carry passengers.
• Do not mow in reverse Lmless 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 without either
the entire grass catcher or the guard in
place.
• Slow down before taming.
• Never leave a rUr_ing machine
unattended. Always rum 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 uncloggingchute.
Mow orgyin daylight or good artificial
light.
Do not operate the machine while under
the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Watch for trafficwhen operatingnear or
crossing roadways.
Use extra care when loading or unload-
ing the machine into a trailer or track.
Data indic_tasthat operators, age 60
years and above, are invelved in a large
percentage of ridingmower-related
iojurles.
These operators should
evaluate their ability to operate the riding
mower safely enough to protect them-
selves and othersfrom serious Injury.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves or
other debris build-up which can touch
hot exhaust / engine parts and bum. Do
not allew the mower deck to plow leaves
or other debris which can cause build-
up to eecL_. Clean any oilor fuel
spillage before operating or storing the
machine. Allow machine to coal before
storage.
Slopes are a ma or factor related to loss-of-
control and t pover accidents, which can re-
ealt in severe injury or death. All slopes
require extra caution. If you cannot pack 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 overturnthe machine. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
Use slaw speed. Cheese a low gear so
that you will not have to stop or shift
while on the slope.
Followthe manufacturer's recommenda-
tions for wheel weights or counter-
weights to improve stablely.
Use extra care with grass catchers or
othor attachments. These can change
the stabilityof 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 • slope, ti
tires lose traction, disengage the blades
and proceed siov_y straight down _e
slope.
DO NOT:
• Do not turn an slopes unless necessary,
and tben, turn slowly and gradually
downhill, if possible.
• Do notmow near drop-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.
• DO not mow on wet grass. Reduced
traction could cause sliding.
• Do not try to stabilize the machine by
putting your foot an the ground.
• Do notuse grass catcher an steep
slopes.