Safety Rules; General Operation; Slope Operation - Craftsman 917.273811 Owner's Manual

IMPORTANT:This cutting machineis capableof amputatinghands andfeet and throw-
ing objects.Failureto observethe following safetyinstructionscould resultin serious
injury or death.
_IWARNING: In order to preventac- °
cidentatstarting when settingup, trans-
porting,adjustingor making repairs,
alwaysdisconnectspark plug wire and
place wire where it cannot contact spark
plug.
_I_WARNING: Do not coast down a hill in
neutral,you may losecontrol of the tractor.
_IWARNING: Towonly the attachments
that are recommendedby and complywith o
specificationsof the manufacturerof your o
tractor.Use commonsensewhen towing.
Operateonly at the lowestpossiblespeed o
when on a slope. Tooheavyof a load,
while on a slope, is dangerous. Tires can o
losetraction with the ground and cause
you to lose controlof your tractor, o
_IWARNmNG:Engineexhaust,some of
its constituents,and certainvehicle com- °
ponentscontain or emit chemicals known
to the State of Californiato causecancer
and birth defects or other reproductive °
harm.
_:_IWARNING: B atteryposts,terminals
and related accessoriescontain lead and
lead compounds,chemicals knownto the
Stateof Californiato cause cancerand
birth defects or other reproductiveharm.
Wash hands after handling.
L GENERAL OPERATION
o Read, understand,and follow all instruc-
tions in the manualand on the machine
beforestarting.
o Only allow responsibleadults,who are
familiarwith the instructions,to operate
the machine.
o Clear the areaof objectssuch as rocks,
toys,wire, etc., which could be picked
up and thrownby the blade.
o Be sure the area is clear of other people
before mowing. Stop machineif anyone
enters the area.
o Nevercarry passengers.
o Do not mow in reverseunless abso-
lutely necessary.Always lookdown and
behind beforeandwhile backing.
Be awareof the mowerdischargedirec-
tion and do not point it at anyone. Do
not operate the mowerwithout either
the entiregrass catcheror the guard in
place.
Slowdown beforeturning.
Neverleave a runningmachine unat-
tended. Alwaysturn off blades,set
parkingbrake, stop engine, and remove
keys beforedismounting.
Turn off bladeswhen not mowing.
Stop engine beforeremovinggrass
catcheror uncloggingchute.
Mowonly in daylightor good artificial
light.
Do not operate the machinewhile under
the influenceof alcoholor drugs.
Watchfor traffic when operatingnearor
crossing roadways.
Use extra care when loadingor un-
loadingthe machineinto a traileror
truck.
Data indicatesthat operators,age 60
years and above,are involvedin a large
percentageof riding mower-relatedin-
juries. These operatorsshould evaluate
their ability to operatethe riding mower
safelyenoughto protect themselvesand
others from serious injury.
Keepmachinefree of grass, leavesor
other debris build-upwhich 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.
H. SLOPE OPERATmON
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.