Craftsman 917.254740 Owner's Manual page 2

LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL TO POINT 1
OUT iMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAU-
TIONS. iT MEANS - ATTENTION! BE-
COME ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS iN-
______.__J
CAUTION: LQQK_.FQR .THI_WQRD_ TO POINT Ot
IM_bBzA=NT_ Q _ii PM &i4_ PRECAUTION
NOTE: LOOK_FOh:_i:Ht_ N_R_6_TC) _POINT OUT li
PORT*NT NFORMATION ABOUT T,eOPERAT
AND PERFORMANCE OF YOUR TRACTOR.
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
WARNING: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest:covere--_"'
brush covered or grass covered land unless the engine s exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meetingapplicable local or an
taws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator. (See REPAIR PARTS for p4
number identification),
In the State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other States may have simil
taws, Federat laws apply on federal lands,
1. Know the controls and how to stop quickly, READ THIS
OWNER'S MANUAL. and instructions furnished with attach-
ments.
2. Do not allow children to operate the machine. Do not allow
adults to operate it without proper instruction,
3. Do not car_ passengers. Do not mow when children and
others are around.
4. Always wear substantial footwear. Do not wear loose fitting
clothing that could get caught in moving parts.
5. Keep your eyes and mind on your tractor, mower, and the
area being cut. Do not let other interests distract you.
6. Do not attempt to operate your tractor or mower when not in
the driver's 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 clutches before attempting to start
the engine.
10. Disengage power to attachments and stop the engine before
leaving the operator's position.
11. Disengage power to mower, stopthe engine, and disconnect
sparkplugwire(s)from_; sparkptug(s) beforecteaning making
an adjustment_ 0r _;epair. 8e careful to avoid touching hot
muffter or engine components.
12. Disengage_zer to attachments when transporting or not in
USe,
t3. Take all possible precautions when leaving the vehicle
unattended. Disengage the power take-off, lower the attach-
ments, shift into neutral, set the parking brake, stop the
engine, and remove the key.
14. Do not stop or start suddenly when going uphill or downhill.
Mow up and down the face of slopes (not greater than 15°),
never across the face. Refer to page 55.
t 5, Red uce speed on slopes and make turns grad unity to prevent
tipping or toss of control. Exercise extreme caution when
changing direction on slopes.
16. While going up or down slopes, place gear shift control lever
in 1st gear position to negotiate the slope w_thout stopping.
17. Never mow in wet or slippery grass, when traction is unsure,
or at a speed which could cause a skid.
18. Stay alert for holes in the terrain and other hidden hazards.
Keep away from drop-offs ....
19, Do not drive too' close to creeks, ditches, and public high-
ways.
20, Exercise special care when mowing around fixed objects in
order to prevent the blades from striking them. Never delib-
erately run tractor or mower into or over any foreign objects.
21. Never shift gears until tractor comes to a stop.
22. Never place hands or feet under the mower, in discharge
chute, or near any moving parts while tractor or mower ts
running. Always keep clear of discharge chute.
23. Use care when pulling loads or using heavy equipment.
a. Use only approved drawbar hitch poims.
b. Limit loads to those you can safely control.
c, Do not turn sharply. Use care when backing.
d. Use counterweight or wheel weights when suggested
owner s manual.
24. Watch out for traffic when crossing or near roadways.
25. When using any attachments, never direct discharge
material toward bystanders nor allow anyone near the v.
hicle while in operation.
26. Handle gasoline with care - it is highly flammable.
a. Use approved gasoline containers.
b. Never remove the fuel cap of the fuel tank or ac
gasoline to a running or hot engine or an engine that h_
not been altowed to coot for severat minutes after ru=
ning. Never fil! tank indoors. Atways clean up spi)i_
gasoline.: ......!_::'":_::i="_ ::'-:,:
co Open do_r_:if the er_gtne iS run in,the garage - exhau:
fumes are d_ngerous D_ nQt run the engine ndoors,
27. Keep the vehicle and attachments in good operating cond
tion. and keep safety devices in place and working.
28. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the equi[.
ment is in safe working condition°
29. Never store the equipment with gasoline in the tank inside
buitding where fumes may reach an open flame or spar_
Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.
30. To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free of grass, leave:
or excessive grease. Do not clean product while engine i
runntng.
31. Except for adjustments, DO NOToperate engine if airclean_;
or cover directly over carburetor air intake is removec
Removal of such part could create a fire hazard.
32. Do not operate without a muffler, or tamper with exhaut:
system. Damaged muff4ers or spark arresters could create,
fire hazard. Inspect periodically and replace if necessary.
33. The vehicle and attachments should be stopped and in
spected for damage after striking a foreign object, and th_
damage should be repaired before restarting and operatinc
the equipment.
34. Do not change the enginegovernor settings or overspeed th_
engine; severe damage or injury may result.
35. When using the vehicle with mower, proceed as fo]fows:
a. Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
b, Shut the engine off when unclogging chute,
c. Check the blade mounting bolts for proper tightness a
frequent intervals.
36. Do not operate the mower without the entire grass catcher
on mowers so equipped, or the deflector shield in place.
37. Disengage power to mower before backing up. Do not mo_
in reverse unless absolutely necessary and then only aftel
careful observation of the entire area 6ehind the mower,
38. Under normal usage the grass catcher bag material is subjec_
to deterioration and wear. ttshould be checked frequently fot
bag replacement Replacement bags should be checked tc
ensure compliance with the original manufacturer's recom
mendations or specifications.
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