Safety Rules - Craftsman EZ3 917.271141 Owner's Manual

IMPORTANT,' This cutting macllineis
capableof amputatinghandsand feet
and throwingobjects_ Failureto observe
the followingsafety instructionscould
result in seriousinjury or death.
GENERALOPERATION
° Read,understand,and fotlow all
instructionsin the manualand on the
machinebeforestarting.
• Only allow responsibleadults, who are
familiarwith the Instructions,to operate
the machine.
° Clear the areaof objectssuch as rocks,
toys, w_re,
e tc., 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_
o Never carry passengers.
° Do not mow in reverse unless absolute-
ly necessary. Always look down and
behind before and while backing.
o 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.
° Never leave 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 white
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 _nto a trailer or
truck_
• Data indicates that operators, age 60
years and above, are involved in a
large percentage of riding mower-
related injuries. These operators should
evaluate their ability to operate the
riding mower safely enough to protect
themselves and others from serious
injury.
SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-
of-control and tipover accidents, which
can result in severe injury or death. All
slopes require extra caution. If you cannot
back up the slope or if you feel 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.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommem
dations for wheel weights or counter-
weights 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 slow
and 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=
• Do not turn on slopes unless neces-
sary, and then, turn slowly and gradual-
ly downhill, if possible.
o 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.
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 activity. Never
assume that children will remain where
you last saw them.