Craftsman 917.28861 Operator's Manual page 3

_DANGER: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwing objects, Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result
in serious injury or death.
_WARNING: In orderto prevent acciden-
tal starting when setting up, transporting,
adjusting or making repairs, always discon-
nect spark plug wire and place wire where
it cannot contact spark plug.
A(_WARNING: Do not coast down a hill in
neutral, you may lose control of the tractor.
_WARNING: Tow only the attachments
that are recommended by and comply with
specifications of the manufacturer of your
tractor. Use common sense when towing.
Operate only at the lowest possible speed
when on a slope. Too heavy of a load, while
on a slope, is dangerous. Tires can lose
traction with the ground and cause you to
lose control of your tractor.
_IbWARNING: Engine exhaust, some of
its constituents, and certain vehicle compo-
nents contain or emit chemicals known tothe
State of California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
_.WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth defects
or other reproductive harm. Wash hands
after handling.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all instruc-
tions on the machine and in the manual
before starting.
• Do not put hands or feet near rotating
parts or under the machine, Keep clear
of the discharge opening at all times.
o 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 blades.
• Be sure the area is clear of bystanders
before operating. Stop machineifanyone
enters the area.
• Never carry passengers.
• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely
necessary. Always look down and behind
before and while backing.
• Never direct discharged materialtoward
anyone. Avoid discharging material
against a wall or obstruction. Material
may ricochet back toward the operator.
Stop the blades when crossing gravel
surfaces.
• Do not operate machine without the en-
tire grass catcher, discharge chute, or
othersafety devices inplace and working.
• Slow down before turning.
• Never leave a running machine unat-
tended. Always turn off blades, set
parking brake, stop engine, and remove
keys before dismounting.
• Disengage blades when not mowing.
Shut off engine and wait for all parts to
come to a complete stop before cleaning
the machine, removingthe grass catcher,
or unclogging the discharge chute.
• Operate machine onlyin 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 extracarewhen loading or unloading
the machine into a trailer or truck.
o Always wear eye protection when operat-
ing machine.
- Data indicates that operators, age 60
years and above, are involved in a large
percentage of riding mower-related inju-
ries. These operators should evaluate
their ability to operate the riding mower
safely enough to protectthemselves and
others from serious injury.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommen-
dation for wheel weights or counter-
weights.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves or
other debris build-up which can touch hot
exhaust/engine parts and burn. Do not
allow the mower to plow leaves or other
debris which can cause build-up to OC-
cur. Clean any oil or fuel spillage before
operating or storing the machine. Allow
machine to cool before storage.