Safety Instructions; General Operation - Craftsman T1400 247.203734 Operator's Manual

WARNING
This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not
followed, could endanger the personal safety and/or property of
yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual
before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these
instructions may result in personal injury. When you see this symbol, HEED
ITS WARNING!
WARNING
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components
contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and
reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the
manual(s) before attempting to assemble and operate. Keep this manual in
a safe place for future and regular reference and for ordering replacement
parts.
• Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation. Know how to stop
the machine and disengage them quickly.
• Never allow children under 14 years old to operate this machine. Children 14
years old and over should read and understand the operation instructions
and safety rules in this manual and should be trained and supervised by a
parent.
• Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper instruction.
• To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury, keep bystanders,
helpers, children and pets at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in
operation. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used. Remove
all stones, sticks, wire, bones, toys, and other foreign objects which could
be picked up and thrown by the blade(s). Thrown objects can cause serious
personal injury.
• Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of material toward roads,
sidewalks, bystanders and the like. Also, avoid discharging material against
a wall or obstruction which may cause discharged material to ricochet back
toward the operator.
• Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during operation and while
performing an adjustment or repair to protect your eyes. Thrown objects
which ricochet can cause serious injury to the eyes.
• Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-fitting slacks and shirts.
Loose fitting clothes and jewelry can be caught in movable parts. Never
operate this machine in bare feet or sandals.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

This machine was built to be operated according to the safe operation
practices in this manual. As with any type of power equipment,
carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious injury.
This machine is capable of amputating fingers, hands, toes and feet and
throwing debris. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could
result in serious injury or death.
Your Responsibility—Restrict the use of this power machine to
persons who read, understand and follow the warnings and instructions in
this manual and on the machine.
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3
DANGER
WARNING
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
Be aware of the mower and attachment discharge direction and do not point
it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without the discharge cover or entire
grass catcher in its proper place.
Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the cutting deck.
Contact with the blade(s) can amputate hands and feet.
A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause blade contact or thrown
object injuries.
Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads and while not
cutting grass.
Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways. This machine is
not intended for use on any public roadway.
Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
Never carry passengers.
Disengage blade(s) before shifting into reverse. Back up slowly. Always look
down and behind before and while backing to avoid a back-over accident.
Slow down before turning. Operate the machine smoothly. Avoid erratic
operation and excessive speed.
Disengage blade(s), set parking brake, stop engine and wait until the
blade(s) come to a complete stop before removing grass catcher, emptying
grass, unclogging chute, removing any grass or debris, or making any
adjustments.
Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off blade(s), set
parking brake, stop engine and remove key before dismounting.
Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck.
This machine should not be driven up or down ramp(s), because the machine
could tip over, causing serious personal injury. The machine must be pushed
manually on ramp(s) to load or unload properly.
Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do not touch.