Slope Operation - Craftsman LAWN TRACTOR 917.270962 Owner's Manual

• Slowdown beforeturning.
• Neverleave a runningmachine
unattended. A lwaysturn off blades,set
parkingbrake,stop engine,and
removekeys beforedismounting.
• Turn off bladeswhen not mowing.
• Stop enginebeforeremovinggrass
catcheror uncloggingchute.
• Mow only in daylightor good artificial
light.
• Do not operatethe machinewhile
underthe influenceof alcoholor
drugs.
• Watchfor traffic when operatingnear
or crossingroadways.
• Use extra care when loadingor
unloadingthe machineinto a trailer or
truck.
• Dataindicatesthat operators,age 60
years and above,are involvedin a
large percentageof ridingmower-
related injuries.These operators
shouldevaluatetheir abilityto operate
the ridingmowersafely enoughto
protectthemselvesand othersfrom
serious injury.
SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to Ioss-
ef-contro_ and tipover 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.
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 slowly and
gradually downhill, if possible.
• Do not mow near drop-otis, ditches, or
embankments. The mower could
suddenly turn over if a wheel is over
the edge of a,cliff or ditch, or if an edge
caves in.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced
traction could cause sliding.
• Do nottry to stabilize the machine by
putting your foot on the ground.
• Do not use grass catcher on steep
slopes.
CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator
is not alert to the presence of children.
Children are often attracted to the
machine and the mowing activity. Never
assume that children will remain where
you last saw them.
• Keep children out of the mowing area
and under the watchful care of another
responsible adult.
• Be alert and turn machine off if
children enter the area.
• Before and when backing, look behind
and down for small children.
• Never carry children. They may fall off
and be seriously injured or interfere
with safe machine operation.
• Never allow children to operate the
machine.
• Use extra care when approaching
blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other
objects that may obscure vision.
SERVICE
• Use extra care in handling gasoline
and other fuels. They are flammable
and vapors are explosive.
Use only an approved container.
Never remove gas cap or add fuel
with the engine running. Allow
engine to cool before refueling. Do
not smoke.
Never refuel the machine indoors.
Never store the machine or fuel
container inside where there is an
open flame, such as a water
heater.
• Never run a machine inside a closed
3 area.