Safety Rules; General Operation - Craftsman 917.273641 Owner's Manual

IMPORTANT:This cutting machine is capableof amputatinghands and feet and throw-
ing objects.Failureto observe the followingsafetyinstructionscould result in serious
injury or death.
_IIWARNING: In orderto preventac-
cidentalstarting when setting up, trans-
porting,adjustingor making repairs,al-
ways disconnectspark plug wire and place
wire where it cannot contactspark plug.
_IkWARNING: Do not coast down a
hill in neutral,you may lose controlof the
tractor.
_,WARNING: Towonly the attachments
that are recommendedby and complywith
specificationsof the manufacturerof your
tractor.Use commonsense when towing.
Operateonly at the lowestpossiblespeed
when on a slope. Too heavyof a load,
while on a slope, is dangerous. Tires can
lose tractionwith the ground and cause
you to lose controlof your tractor.
_,WARNING: Engineexhaust,some of
its constituents,and certainvehicle com-
ponents contain or emit chemicalsknown
to the Stateof Californiato cause cancer
and birth defectsor other reproductive
harm.
_ILWARNING: Battery posts,terminals
and related accessoriescontain lead and
lead compounds,chemicalsknownto the
State of Californiato causecancerand
birth defectsor other reproductiveharm.
Wash hands after handling.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all
instructions on the machine and in the
manual before starting.
• Do not put hands or feet near rotating
parts or under the machine. Keep clear
of the discharge opening at all times.
• 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 blades.
• Be sure the area is clear of bystand-
ers before operating. Stop machine if
anyone enters the area.
• Never carry passengers.
• Do not mow in reverse unless abso-
lutely necessary. Always look down
and behind before and while backing.
• Never direct discharged material
toward anyone. Avoid discharging
material against a wall or obstruction.
Material may ricochet back toward the
operator. Stop the blades when cross-
ing gravel surfaces.
• Do not operate machine without the
entire grass catcher, discharge guard,
or other safety devices in place and
working.
• Slowdown before turning.
• Never leave a running machine
unattended. Always turn off blades,
set parking brake, stop engine, and
remove keys before dismounting.
• Disengage blades when not mowing.
Shut off engine and wait for all parts to
come to a complete stop before clean-
ing the machine, removing the grass
catcher, or unclogging the discharge
guard.
• Operate machine 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 unload-
ing the machine into a trailer or truck.
• Always wear eye protection when oper-
ating machine.
• Data indicates that operators, age 60
years and above, are involved in a
large percentage of riding mower-re-
lated injuries. These operators should
evaluate their ability to operate the
riding mower safely enough to protect
themselves and others from serious
injury.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommen-
dation for wheel weights or counter-
weights.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves or
other debris build-up which can touch
hot exhaust / engine parts and burn.
Do not allow the mower deck to plow
leaves or other debris which can cause
build-up to occur. Clean any oil or fuel
spillage before operating or storing the
machine. Allow machine to cool before
storage.
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