Safety Rules; General Operation; Children; Service - Craftsman EZ3 944.609050 Owner's Manual

SAFETY RULES &
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING
OBJECTS. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS
INJURY OR DEATH.
I. GENERALOPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all instructions in 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 rocks, toys, wire, etc.,
which could be picked up and thrown by the blade.
• Be sure the area isclear of other people before mowing. Stop
machine if anyone enters the area.
• Never carry passengers.
• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always
look down and behind before and while backing.
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.
• Tum 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 traffic when operating near or crossing roadways.
• Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into
a trailer or truck.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a ma or factor relatedto loss-of-control a nd tipover
accidents,whichcan resultin severe injuryor death. Allslopes
requireextrecaution. Ifyou cannotbackup theslopeor ifyoufeel
uneasy on it, do not mow it.
DO:
• Mow up and downslopes, not across.
• Remove obstaclessuchas rocks,tree limbs,etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overtumthemachine, Tallgrasscanhideobstacles.
• Useslowspeed. Choosea lowgear sothatyouwUlnothave
to stop or shiftwhile on the slope.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommendationsfor wheel
weightsor counterweightsto improvestability.
• Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments.
These can change the stabilityof the machine.
• Keep all movement on the slopesslowand gradual. Do not
make sudden changes in speed or direction.
• Avoid staring or stoppingon a slope, If tires lose traction
disengagethe blades and proceedslowlystraightdownthe
slope.
DO NOT:
• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, rum slowly
and 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 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.
IlL CHILDREN
Tragic accidentscan occur if the operator is not alert to the
presenceofchildren.Childrenare oftenattractedtothe machine
and the mowingactivity.Neverassume thatch drenwill remain
where you lastsaw them.
• Keepchildrenoutofthemowingarea and underthe watchful
care of anotherresponsibleadult.
• Be alert and tum machineoffif childrenenter the area.
• Beforeand when backing,look behindand downfor small
chUdren.
• Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously
injuredor interferewith safe machineoperation.
Never allowcl_ildren to operatethe machine.
• Use extra care when approachingblind corners, shrubs,
trees, or otherobjectsthat may obscurevision,
IV. SERVICE
Useextracare inhandlinggasctineandotherfuels. They are
flammable and vaporsare explosive.
Use onlyan approvedcontainer.
Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine
running, Allowengine to cool beforerefueling. Do not
smoke.
Never refuelthe machinerndoors.
Never storethe machineor fuel containerinsidewhere
there isan openflame, suchas a water heater.
• Never runa machineinsidea closedarea.
• Keep nutsand bolts,especiallybladeattachmentbo is, t ght
and keep equipmentin good condition,
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operationregularly.
• Keepmachinefreeofgrass leaves orotherdebdsbu d-up
C ean o or fue spillage. Allow machine to cool before
storing.
• Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object.
Repair, if necessary,beforerestarting.
• Never make adjustments or repairswiththe enginerunning.
• Grasscatchercomponentsaresubjecttoweardamage and
detedoretion,which could expose moving parts or allow
objectsto be thrown. Frequentlycheck componentsand
replacewith manufacturer's recommendedparts,when nec-
essary.
• Mower bladesare sharpand can cut. Wrap the blade(s)or
wear gloves, and use extra cautionwhen servicingthem.
• Check brake operationfrequently. Adjustand service as
required.
I & Lookforthissymboltopointoutimpor-
tant safety precautions. It means
CAUTIONI!! BECOME ALERTlll YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
CAUTION: Always disconnect spark
plug wire and place wire where It cannot
contact spark plug In order to prevent
accidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adlustlng or making
repairs.
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