Safety Rules; General Operation; Slope Operation - Craftsman 917.272430 Owner's Manual

IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwing ob ects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in
sadous injury or death.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all
instructionsin the manual and 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 reeks,
toys, wire, etc., which couldbe 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 maw in reverse unless absolutely
necessary. Always leek down and
behind before and while backing.
• Be aware of the mower discharge
directionand do not point it at anyone.
Do not operate the mower withouteither
the entire grass catcher or the guard kl
place.
• Slow down before turning.
• Never leave a running machine
unattended. Always turn off blades, sat
parking brake, stop engine, and remove
keys before dkmountiag.
• 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 trafficwhen operatingnear or
crossingroadways.
• Use exf_acare when loading or unload-
ing the machine into a trailer or truck.
• Data indicates that operators, age 60
years and above, are involved in a large
percentage of riding mower-related
injudos. These operators should
evaluate their ability to operate the riding
mower safely enough to protect them-
selves and others from sedous injury.
• Keep machinefree of grass, leaves or
other debris build-up which can touch
hot exhaust I engine ports and bum. Do
not allow the mower dock to plow leaves
or other debds which can cause build-
up to occur. Clean any oil or fuel
spillage before operating or stedngthe
machine. Allow machine to cool before
storage.
I1.SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-
control and tipover accidents, which can re-
suit in severe injury or death. All slopes
require exba caution, if you cannot backup
the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not
maw it.
DO:
• Mow up and down slopes, not across.
• Remove obstacles such as recks, tree
limbs, etc.
Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven
terrain could overturnthe machine. Taft
grass can hide obstacles.
Use slew speed. Cheese a low gear so
that youwill not have to stop or shift
while on the slope.
Follow the manufacturer'srecommenda-
tions for wheel weights or counter-
weights to improve stability.
Use extra care with grasscatchers or
other attachments. These can change
the stabilityof the machine.
Keep all movement on the slopes slow
and gradual. Do not make sudden
changes in speed or direction,
Avoid startingor stopping on a slope. If
tires lose traction, disengage the blades
and proceed slowly straightdown the
slope.
DO NOT:
• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary,
and then, turn slowlyand 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 cliffor ditch, or if an edge
caves in.
• DO eetmow on wet grass. Reduced
traction could cause sliding.
• Do not try to stabilize the machine by
putting your foot on the ground.
• Do notuse grass catcher on steep
slopes.
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