Ii. Slope Operation; Iii. General Operation; Iv. Towing; Service - Craftsman 588799624 Quick Reference Manual

safety INformatIoN

II. slope operation

Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-over
accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. Operation on
all slopes requires extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if
you feel uneasy on it, you should not mow it. use the visual guide on
page 15 to determine the degree of slope you intend to mow.
• Mow up and down slopes (maximum 15°), not across.
• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks or other hidden objects. Uneven
terrain could overturn the machine. tall grass can hide obstacles.
• Choose a low ground speed so that you will not have to stop or shift
while on the slope. do not mow on wet grass. Tires may lose
traction.
• AlWAYS keep the machine in gear when going down slopes. do not
shift to neutral and coast downhill.
• Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If the tires lose
traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down
the slope.
• Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. do not make
sudden changes in speed or direction, which could cause the
machine to roll over.
• Use extra care while operating machine with grass catchers or
other attachments; they can affect the stability of the machine.
do not use on steep slopes.
• do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the
ground.
• do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The machine
could suddenly roll over if a wheel is over the edge or if the edge
caves in.
• If you cannot back up the hill, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO MOW ON HILL.
• do not stop on slopes.
• Engage the drive using the slowest speed setting.

III. General operation

• Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in
the Quick Reference Guide before starting.
• do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the machine.
keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.
• Allow only responsible adults 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 blades.
• Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before operating. 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.
• neVer direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid discharging
material against a wall or obstruction. Material may ricochet back
toward the operator. Stop the blades when crossing gravel surfaces.
• do not operate machine without the entire grass catcher, discharge
chute or other safety devices in place and working.
• Slow down before turning.
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• neVer leave a running machine unattended. AlWAYS turn off blades,
set parking brake, stop engine and remove keys before dismounting.
• Disengage blades when not mowing. Shut off engine and wait for all
parts to come to a complete stop before cleaning the machine,
removing the grass catcher or unclogging the discharge chute.
• Operate machine 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 road ways.
• Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer
or truck.
• AlWAYS wear eye protection when operating machine.
• 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.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for wheel weights or
counterweights.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves or other debris build-up which
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.

IV. towing

• Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for towing.
do not attach towed equipment except at the hitch point.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for weight limits for
towed equipment and towing on slopes.
• neVer allow children or others in or on towed equipment.
• On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may cause loss of
traction and loss of control.
• Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.
• Use only attachments that are recommended by the tractor
manufacturer.
V. service
SAFe hAndlinG oF GASoline
• To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme care in
handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors
are explosive.
• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of ignition.
• Use only approved gasoline container.
• neVer remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow
engine to cool before refueling.
• neVer fuel the machine indoors.
• neVer store the machine or fuel container where there is an open
flame, spark or pilot light such as on a water heater or other
appliances.
• neVer fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer bed with
plastic liner. AlWAYS place containers on the ground away from your
vehicle when filling.
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