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Craftsman 917.255960 Owner's Manual page 2

18.0 hp twin cylinder electric start 44" mower 6 speed garden tractor

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SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation
Practices
for Ride-On
Mowers
IMPORTANT:
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.
GENERAL
OPERATION
Read, understand,
and follow all instructions in the manual
arrd on the machine before starting
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 blade_
Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing_ Stop
machine if anyone enters the area
Never carry passengers
Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary
Always
look down and behind before and while backing.
Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point
it at anyone
Do not operate the mower without either the
entire grass catcher or the guard in place
Slow down before turning
Neverleave
a running machine unattended
Always turn off
blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys
before dismounting
Turn off blades when not mowing
Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging
chute
Mow only in 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 extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a
trailer or truck
II,
SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tipov_r
accidents, which can result in severe in ury or death_ All slope's
requ re extra caut on f you cannot back up the s ope or if you fee
uneasy on it, do not mow it.
DO:
Mow up and down slopes, not across.
Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc
Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps
Uneven terrain could
overturn the machine Tall grass can hide obstacles.
Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will not have
to stop or shift while on the slope.
Followthemanufacturer's recommendationsfor wheelweights
or counterweights to improve stability
Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments
These can change the stability of the machine.
Keep all movement on the slopes slowand gradual Do not
make sudden changes in speed or direction
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction,
disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the
slope
DO NOT:
Donot turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly
and gradually downhill, if possible
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The
mower could suddenly 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 not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the
ground
Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes
III.
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 acttvity
Neverassumethatchildrenwillremain
where you last saw them
Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful
care of another responsible adult
Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area
Before arrd when backing, look behind and down for small
children.
Never carry children_
They may fall off and be seriously
injured or interfere with the safe machine operation
Never allow children to operate the machine
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
Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight
and keep equipment in good condition
_ever
tamper with safety
devices,
Check their proper
eratlon regularly
Ke_ machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up,
Cle_e oil or fuel spillage.
Allow machine to cool before
storing]
Stop and inspect the equipment
if you strike an object
Repair, if necessary, before restarting
Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running
Grass catcher components
are subject to wear, damage,
and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow
ob ects to be thrown. Frequently check components
and
rep ace with manufacturer's recommended parts, when nec-
essary.
Mower blades are sharp and can cuL Wrap the blade(s) or
wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them
Check brake operation frequenfly=
Adjust and service as
required,
I
Look for this symbol to point out impor-
tant
safety
precautions.
It means
CAUTION!!!
BECOME ALERT!!!
YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
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.
!

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