Craftsman EZ 917.270941 Owner's Manual page 3

20.0 hp electric start 42" mower automatic
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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.
GENERAL
OPERATION
• 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 is clear of other
people before mowing.
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.
• 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.
• Turn 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.
• Data indicates
that operators,
age 60
years and above, are involved in a
large percentage
of riding mower-
related injuries.
These operators
should evaluate
their ability to operate
the riding mower safely enough to
protect themselves
and others from
serious
injury.
SLOPE OPERATION
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.
DO:
• Mow up and down slopes, not across.
• Remove obstacles
such as rocks, tree
limbs, etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps.
Uneven 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
recommen-
dations 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 gradual-
ly 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 nottry
to stabilize the machine
by
putting your foot on the ground.
• Do not use grass catcher on steep
slopes.
CHILDREN
Tragic accidents
can occur if the operator
is not alert to the presence
of children.
Children
are often attracted
to the
machine and the mowing activity. Never
assume that children will remain where
you last saw them.
3

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