General Operation; Slope Operation - Craftsman 917.374803 Owner's Manual

1.GENERAL OPERATION
• Read,understand,andfollow all
instructionson the machineand in the
manual(s)beforestarting. Be thoroughly
familiar with the controls andthe proper
use of the machinebeforestarting.
• Do not put handsor feet near or under
rotatingparts.Keepclear of the dis-
charge openingat all times.
• Only allow responsibleindividuals,who
are familiarwith the instructions,to oper-
ate the machine.
• Clear the area of objectssuch as rocks,
toys, wire, bones,sticks, etc., which
could be pickedup and thrown by the
blade.
• Be sure the area is clear of other people
beforemowing.Stop machine if anyone
enters the area.
• Do not operate the mowerwhen bare-
foot or wearing open sandals.Always
wear substantialfoot wear.
• Do not pull mowerbackwardsunless
absolutelynecessary.Always look down
and behindbeforeand while moving
backwards.
• Do not operate the mowerwithout
proper guards,plates,grass catcheror
other safetyprotectivedevices in place.
• See manufacturer'sinstructionsfor
proper operationand installationof
accessories.Only use accessoriesap-
provedby the manufacturer.
• Stop the blade(s)when crossinggravel
drives, walks,or roads.
• Stop the engine (motor)wheneveryou
leavethe equipment,beforecleaningthe
moweror uncloggingthe chute.
• Shut the engine (motor) off and wait until
the bladecomes to completestop before
removinggrass catcher.
• Mowonly in daylightor good artificial
light.
• Do not operate the machinewhile under
the influenceof alcoholor drugs.
• Neveroperatemachine in wet grass.
Alwaysbe sure of your footing:keepa
firm hold on the handleand walk; never
run.
• Disengagethe self-propelledmech-
anism or drive clutch on mowersso
equipped beforestartingthe engine
(motor).
• If the equipmentshould start to vibrate
abnormally,stop the engine(motor) and
check immediatelyfor the cause.Vibra-
tion is generallya warningof trouble.
• Alwayswear safetygogglesor safety
glasses with side shieldswhen operating
11. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to slip
and fall accidents which can result in
severe injury. All slopes require extra cau-
tion. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not
mow it.
DO:
• Mow across the face of slopes: never
up and down. Exercise extreme caution
when changing direction on slopes.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree
limbs, etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
DO NOT:
• Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or
embankments. The operator could lose
footing or balance.
• Do not trim excessively steep slopes.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced foot-
ing could cause slipping.
111.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 trimming area
and under the watchful care of another
responsible adult.
• Be alert and turn machine off if children
enter the area.
• Before and while walking backwards,
look behind and down for small children.
• Never allow children to operate the ma-
chine.
• Use extra care when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects
that may obscure vision.
IV. 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 area.
• Never make adjustments or repairs with
the engine (motor) running. Disconnect the
spark plug wire, and keep the wire away
mower.
3
fromthe plugto prevent accidentalstarting.