Safety Rules; General Operation - Craftsman 917.274660 Owner's Manual

IMPORTANT:This cutting machineis capableof amputatinghands andfeet and throw-
ingobjects. Failureto observe the followingsafetyinstructionscould result in serious
injury or death.
WARNING: In order to prevent
accidentalstarting when setting up,
transporting,adjustingor making repairs,
alwaysdisconnectspark plug wire and
place wire where it cannotcontact spark
plug.
WARNING: Do not coast down a
hill in neutral,you may lose controlof the
tractor.
WARNING: Towonly the attach-
mentsthat are recommendedby and
complywith specificationsof the man-
ufacturerof your tractor.Use common
sensewhen towing.Operateonly at the
lowestpossiblespeed when on a slope.
Too heavyof a load, while on a slope, is
dangerous. Tires can lose tractionwith
the ground and causeyou to lose control
of your tractor.
WARNING: Engineexhaust,some
of its constituents,and certainvehicle
componentscontain or emit chemicals
knownto the Stateof Californiato cause
cancerand birth defects or other repro-
ductiveharm.
WARNING: Batteryposts,terminals
and related accessoriescontain lead and
lead compounds,chemicalsknownto the
State of Californiato causecancerand
birth defectsor other reproductiveharm.
Wash hands after handling.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read,understand,and follow all
instructionson the machineand in the
manualbeforestarting.
• Do not put hands or feet near rotating
parts or under the machine.Keepclear
of the dischargeopening at all times.
• Only allow responsibleadults,who are
familiarwith the instructions,to operate
the machine.
• Clear the areaof objectssuch as
rocks,toys, wire, etc., which could be
picked up and thrownby the blades.
• Be sure the area is clear of bystand-
ers beforeoperating. Stop machineif
anyoneenters the area.
• Nevercarry passengers.
• Do not mow in reverseunless abso-
lutelynecessary. Alwayslook down
and behind beforeand while backing.
• Neverdirect dischargedmaterial
toward anyone.Avoiddischarging
material against a wall or obstruction.
Material may ricochetback towardthe
operator.Stop the bladeswhen cross-
ing gravelsurfaces.
• Do not operate machinewithout the
entire grass catcher,dischargeguard,
or other safetydevices in place and
working.
• Slowdown beforeturning.
• Neverleavea running machine
unattended. Alwaysturn off blades,
set parking brake,stop engine,and
removekeys beforedismounting.
• Disengagebladeswhen not mowing.
Shut off engine andwait for all parts to
come to a completestop beforeclean-
ing the machine, removingthe grass
catcher,or uncloggingthe discharge
guard.
• Operatemachineonly in daylightor
good artificial light.
• Do not operate the machinewhile
under the influenceof alcoholor drugs.
• Watchfor trafficwhen operatingnear
or crossing roadways.
• Use extra care when loadingor unload-
ing the machine into a trailer or truck.
• Alwayswear eye protectionwhen oper-
ating machine.
• Data indicatesthat operators,age 60
years and above,are involvedin a
large percentageof riding mower-re-
lated injuries. These operatorsshould
evaluatetheir ability to operate the
riding mowersafely enoughto protect
themselvesand others from serious
injury.
• Followthe manufacturer'srecommen-
dation for wheel weightsor counter-
weights.
• Keepmachinefree of grass, leavesor
other debris build-upwhich can touch
hot exhaust
/ engine parts and burn.
Do not allow the mower deck to plow
leaves or other debris which can cause
build-up to occur. Clean any oil or fuel
spillage before operating or storing the
machine. Allow machine to cool before
storage.
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