Operation - Craftsman 917.20402 Operator's Manual

_DANGER:
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,
A(_WARNING: In orderto preventacciden-
tal starting when setting up, transporting,
adjusting or making repairs, always discon-
nect spark plug wire and place wire where
it cannot contact spark plug.
_t, WARNING: Do not coast down a hill in
neutral, you may lose control of the tractor.
A_,WARNING: Tow only the attachments
that are recommended by and comply with
specifications of the manufacturer of your
tractor. Use common sense when towing.
Operate onty at the lowest possible speed
when on a slope. Too heavy of a toad, while
on a slope, is dangerous. Tires can lose
traction with the ground and cause you to
lose control of yourtractor.
_L.WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of
its constituents, and certain vehicle compo-
nents contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
_ILWARNING: Battery posts,terminals and
related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals knownto the State of
California to cause cancer and birth defects
or other reproductive harm. Wash hands
after handling.
1, CHILDREN
_WARNING! CHILDREN CAN BE IN-
JURED BYTHIS EQUIPMENT, TheAmeri-
can Academy of Pediatrics recommends
that children be a minimum of 12 year of
age before operating a pedestrian controlled
lawn mower and a minimum of I6 years of
age before operating a riding lawn mower.
J_.WARNING! CHILDREN CAN BE
SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED BY
THIS EQUIPMENT. Carefully read and
follow all of the safety instructions below,
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.
• Keep children out of the mowing area
and in the watchfulcare of a responsible
adult other than the operator.
• Be alert and turn machine off if a child
enters the area.
• Before and while backing, look behind
and down for small children.
• Never carry children, even with the
blades shut off. They may fall off and
be seriously injuredor interfere with safe
machine operation. Children who have
been given rides inthe past may suddenly
appear in the mowing area for another
ride and be run over or backed over by
the machine.
• Never allow children to operate the ma-
chine.
• Use extreme caution when approaching
blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other
objects that may block your view of a
child.
II. GENERAL OPERATION
- Read, understand, andfollowallJnstruc-
tions on the machine and in the manual
before starting.
• Do not put hands or feet near rotating
parts or under the machine. Keep clear
of the discharge opening at all times.
- 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 blades.
• Ensure the area is clear of bystanders
before operating. Stop machine ifanyone
enters the area.
• Never carry passengers,
- Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely
necessary. Always look down and behind
before and while backing.
o Never direct discharged materialtoward
anyone. Avoid discharging material
against a watt or obstruction. Material
may ricochet back toward the operator.
Stop the blades when crossing gravel
surfaces.
- Do not operate machine withoutthe entire
grass catcher, discharge chute, or other
safety devices in place and working.
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