Craftsman 917.274033 Owner's Manual page 4

DO:
Mow up and down slopes, not across.
Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree
limbs, etc.
Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Un-
even 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 recommend-
ations 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 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.
III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator
is not alert to the presence of children.
Children are often attracted to the ma-
chine and the mowing activity. Never as-
sume that children will remain where you
last saw them.
* Keep children out of the mowing area
and under the watchful care of another
responsible adult.
* Be alert and turn machine off if children
enter the area.
, Before and when backing, look behind
and down for small children.
Never carry children. They may fall off
and be seriously injured or interfere with
safe machine operation.
Never allow children to operate the
machine.
Use extra care when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects
that may obscure vision.
IV. SERVICE
Use extra care in handling gasoline and
other fuels. They are flammable and
vapors are explosive.
- Use only an approved container.
- Never remove gas cap or add fuel
with the engine running. Allow
engine to cool before refueling. Do
not smoke.
- Never refuel the machine indoors.
- Never store the machine or fuel
container inside where there is an
open flame, such as a water heater.
Never run a machine inside a closed
area.
Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade
attachment bolts, tight and keep equip-
ment in good condition.
Never tamper with safety devices.
Check their proper operation regularly.
Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or
other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel
spillage. Allow machine to cool before
storing.
Stop and inspect the equipment if you
strike an object. Repair, if necessary,
before restarting.
Never make adjustments or repairs with
the engine running.
Grass catcher components are subject
to wear, damage, and deterioration,
which could expose moving parts or
allow objects to be thrown. Frequently
check components and replace with
manufacturer's recommended parts,
when necessary.
Mower blades are sharp and can cut.
Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and
use extra caution when servicing them.
, Check brake operation frequently. Ad-
just and service as required.