Safe Operation; Safe Maintenance And Storage - Craftsman 917.377292 Owner's Manual

engineis runningor when the engineis
hot. Allowthe engineto coolfor several
minutesbeforefillingthe gas tank. Clean
off any spilledgasolinebeforestartingthe
engine.
Always makewheel heightadjustments
beforestartingyour mower.Never
attemptto do this while the engineis
running.
Mow only in daylightor good artificial
light.
OPERATION:
• Keep your eyesand mind on your mower
and the areabeing cut. Do not let other
interestsdistractyou.
o Do not mowwet or slippery grass. Never
run while operatingyour mower.Always
be sure of your footing-- keepa firm
hold on the handlesandwalk.
o Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotatingparts.Keepclear of the discharge
opening at alltimes.
. Alwaysstop the enginewheneveryou
leave or are not using your mower, or
beforecrossingdriveways,walks, roads,
and any gravel--covered areas.
o Never directdischargeof materialtoward
bystandersnor allowanyone nearthe
mowerwhile you are operatingit.
• Beforecleaning,inspecting,or repainng
your mower,stop the engineand make
absolutelysurethe blade and all moving
parts have stopped.Then disconnectthe
spark plug wireand keep it awayfrom the
spark plug to preventaccidentalstarting.
° Do not continueto runyour mowerif you
hit a foreign object.Followthe procedure
outlinedabove,then repair any damage
before restartingand operatingyou
mower.
o Do not changethe governorsettingsor
overspeedthe engine. Enginedamageor
personalinjurymay result.
o Do not operateyour mowerif it vibrates
abnormally.Excessivevibrationis an
indicationof damage; stop the engine,
safely checkfor the causeof vibration
and repair as required.
• Do not runthe engine
indoors. Exhaust
fumes are dangerous.
° Never cut grass by pulling the mower
towards you. Mow across the face of
slopes, never up and down or you might
lose your footing. Do not mow exces-
sively steep slopes. Use caution when
operating the mower on uneven terrain
or when changing directions -- maintain
good footing.
Never operate your mower without
proper guards, plates, grass catcher or
other safety devices in place.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:
° Check the blade and the engine mount-
ing bolts often to be sure they are
tightened properly.
o Check all bolts, nuts and screws at
frequent intervals for proper tightness to
be sure mower is in safe working
condition.
• Keep al! safety devices in place and
working.
o To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine
free of grass, leaves or excessive grease
and oil.
- Check grass catcher often for deteriora-
tion and wear and replace worn bags.
Use only replacement bags that are
recommended by and comply with
specifications of the manufacturer of your
mower.
o Always keep a sharp blade on your
mower_
, Allow engine to cool before storing in any
enclosure.
o Never store mower with fuel in the tank
inside a building where fumes may reach
an open flame or an ignition source such
as a hot water heater, space heater,
clothes dryer, etc.
CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug
wire and place wire where it cannot
contact spark plug in order to prevent
accidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making repairs.
WARNING: The engine exhaust from this
product contains chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer, birth
defects, or other reproductive harm.