Craftsman 917.254640 Owner's Manual page 2

I. Know the controls and how to stop quickly. READ THIS
OPERATOR'S MANUAL and instructionsFurnished with
attachments.
2. Do not allow children to operate the machine. Do not
allow adults to operate it Without proper instruction.
3. De not carP/passengers. Do not mow _,hee children and
others are around.
4. Alwaxs wear substantial footwear. Do not wear loose {it.
ring Elothing that could get caught in moving parts.
5. Keep your eyes and mind on xour tractor, mower and
the area bein_ cut. Do not let other interestsdistract ygu.
6. Do not attempt to operate your tractor or mower _,hee
not in the drivers seat.
7. Always get on or off your tractor from the operator's left
hand side.
8. Clear the work area of objects (wire, rocks, etc.) which
might be picked up and thrown.
9. Disengage all attachment dutches before attemp#ng to
start the engine.
10. Disengage power to attachments and stop the engine
before leaving the operator's position.
11. Disengage power to mower, stop the engine, and discon-
nect spa-rk plug wire(s) from spark plug(s) before clean:
ing, makin.g an adjustment, or repair, be careful to avoid
touching hot muttler or engine components.
12. Disengagepowertoa#achmentswhentransportingornot
In use.
13. Take all possible precautions when leaving the vehide
unatteeded. Di._ngage thepower.take-off,'7ower, the at-
tachments, shift into neutral, set the parking bratce, stop
the engine and remove the key.
14. Do not stop or start suddenly when going uphill or
downhill, fAow up and down the face of slopes (nat
_rleater than 15°j; never across the face. Refer to page
15. Reduce speed on slopes and make turnsgradually to pre-
vent tipping or loss of controL.Exercise extreme caution
when chen_glngdirection on slopes.
16. While going up or down slopes, place Gear Shift Con-
trol Lever m 7st gear positlon to negotiate the slope
without stopping.
17. Never mow m wet or slippery grass, when tr.action is un-
sure or at a speed whichcouFd cause a skid.
18. Stay alert for holes in the terrain and other hidden
hazards. Keep away from drop-arts.
19. Do not drive too dose to creeks, ditches and public
b. Limit loads to those you can safety control.
c. Do not turn sharply. Use care when backing.
d. Use counterwgight or wheel weights when suggested
in the owneKs manual.
24. Watch out for traffic when crossing or near.roadways.
25. When using any. attachments, never direct discharge of
material towar_l bystanders nor allow anyone near the
vehicle while in operation.
26. Handle gasoline with care - it is highly Flammable.
a. Use approved g.asoline contaitiers.
b. Never remove Fhefuel cap of the fuel tank or add
gasoline to a running, or hot engine or an engine that
has not been allowe_l to cool for several minutes after
runnlna. Never fill tank indoors. Always clean up
sDilled'aasoline.
c. .Open doors if the engine is run in the garage - ex-
haust Fumesare dangerous. Do not run the engine
indoors.
27. Keep the vehicle and attachments in good operating con.
dition, and keep safety, devices in place and wo_ing.
28. Keep all nuts,,b'olts ancI screws tight to be sure the equTp.
ment is in safe working condition.
29. Never store the equipmeet with gasoline in the tank in.
side a building where fumes may reach an open flame
or spark. Alllow the engine to cool before storing in any
enclosure.
30. To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free of grass,
leaves or excessive grease. Do not c'/ean product while
engine _srunning.
3 I. Except for
adjustments; DO
NOT operate engine if air
cleaner or cover directly ever carburetor air intake is
removed. Removal of suchpart could create a fire hazard.
32. Donotoperatewithoutamufflerortamperwithexhaust
system. Damaged mufflers or spark arresters could create
a fire hazaid. Inspect periodically and replace if
necessary.
33. The vehfde and attachments should be stopped and in.
spected for damage after striking a foreign ob_ect and
the damage, should be repairedbefore restar#ng and
operating the egulpment.
34. Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed
.the.. engine; sgvere 9ra.mage.or injury may result_ .
35. When using the vehicle with mower, proceea as tallows;
a. Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
b. Shut the engine off when unclogging chute.
c. Check the bTade mounting bolts-f_r proper tightness
highways, at frequent intervals.
20. Exercise special care when mowing around fixed oblects 36. Do not operate the mower wlthout the deflector shield in
in order to prevent the blades from striking them. hfever place.
deliberately run tractor or mower into or over any foreign 37. Disengage power to mower before backing up. Do not
objects, mow m reverse unless absolutely necessary and then on-
21. Never shift gears until tractor comes to a stop. Iv after careful observation of the entire area behind the
22. Never place hands or feet under the mower, in discharge (newer.
chute or near any moving parts while tractor or mower 38. Under normal usage the gross catcher bag material issub.
is running. Always keep clear of discharge chute, ject to deterioration andwear. It should-be checked fre-
23. Use care when pulling loads or using heavy equipment, q. u ently for bag replacement. Replacement bags should
a. Use only approt;ed drawbar h#_chpolnts. De checked to ensure compliance with the original
..................................... manufacturer's recommendallons or specifications_
LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL TO POINT OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.
IT MEANS--ATTENTION! BECOME ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS iNVOLVED.
CAUTIONL .LOOK FOR THIS WORD TO POINT OUT IMPORTANT EQUIPMENT PRECAUT!ONS. .........
I THIS UNIT IS EQUIPPED WITH AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE AND SHOULD NOT BE USED
/_ ON OR NEAR ANY UNIMPROVED FOREST COVERED, BRUSH COVERED, OR GRASS COVERED H
]{ _ LAND UNLESS THE ENGINE S EXHAUST SYSTEM IS EQUIPPED WITH A SPARK ARRESTER MEET-
_ ING APPLICABLE LOCAL OR STATE LAWS (IF ANY). IF A SPARK ARRESTER IS USED, IT SHOULD
BE MAINTAINED IN EFFECTIVE WORKING ORDER BY THE OPERATOR.
In the State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other
states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. Refer to the Repair Parts Section, page 32.