Craftsman 917.272020 Owner's Manual page 3

Turn offblades w hen notmowing
Stop engine b efore removing g_ass
catcher or unclogging chute
Mow onlyindaylight orgood artificial
Donotoperate t hemachine while under
theinfluence ofalcohol ordrugs.
Watch f ortraffic w hen operating near o r
crossing r oadways
Use extra care when loading o runload°
irrg themachine intoa trailer o rtruck
::_LOPE OPERATION
:_lopes areamajor f actor r elated t oloss.-
/:ficontrol and tipover accidents, which
san result in severe injury or death. All
::topes require extra caution. If you cannot
:;ack up the slope or if you feet uneasy on
t do not mow it.
}0:
Mow up and down slopes, not across.
Remove obstacles such as rocks tree
limbs, etc.
Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven
terrain could eve@ms the roach ne Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
Use stow speed. Choose a ow gear so
that you will not have to stop or shift
while on the slope.
Follow the manufacturer's recommen o
dations for wheei wei9hts or counter--
weights to irnprove stability
Use ext_a care wth grass catchers or
other _£tachments. These can change
the stabi!ity of @e roach ne
Keep aH movement on the slopes slow
and gradual Do not make sudden
changes in speed or direction.
Avoid start ng or stopping on a slope If
tires lose traction, disengage the biades
and proceed slowIy straight down the
i}0 NOT:
Do nottum on slopes unless necessary,
and then, turn stowly and gradually
downhill, if possible.
Do not mow near dropooffs, ditches, or
embankments. The mower could sud_-
denty 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 nott% _to stabit ze the machine by
putting your foot on the ground.
o Do not use grass catcher on steep
sbpes.
CHLDREH
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 chitdren wilt remain where
you last saw them
o Keep chitdren out of the mowing area
and under the watchf@ care of another
Be alert and turn macMne off if children
enter the area
o Before and when backing, took behind
and down for small children
o Never can'y children They may fal_off
and be seriously injured or interfere with
safe machine operation
o Hever atlow children to operate the
machine
Use extra care when approaching blind
comers shrubs, trees o_*othe obiects
that may obscure vision.
SERVICE
o __seextra care in handling gasoline aad
other fueb. They are fiammabb and
vapors are explosive
Use only an approved container.
Never remove gas cap o_ _add fuel
with the engine t._nning. AIlow eno
9ie to cool before refue[ing. Do not
smoke.
Never ref(_el the machine indoors.
Never sto_e the sach ne or fise_
containe_ inside where there is an
open flame such as a water heater.
o Never run a maohir-_e insde a dosed
area
Keep r_uts and bolts especia!ly blade
attachment bets ight and keep equip °
ment in good condition.
o Never tamper with safety devices.
Check their proper operation regularly.
_, Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or
ether debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel
spiHage_ AHow machine to coot before
storing.
Stop and inspect the equipment if you
strike an object° Repair, if necessary,