Safety Rules - Craftsman 536.25587 Owner's Manual

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THESE INSTRUCTIONS ABE FOR YOUR PROTECTtON_ PLEASE READ THEM CAREFU LLY=
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°
l. GENERAL OPERATION:
e Know controls and how to stop quickly..
o Read, understand, and fotlQy_ atl instructions in the manual and
on the machine before starting.
• Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with
Instructions, to operate the machine.
• - 'Wear safety glasses or eye shields when assembling or
operating the machine.
Do not operate machine when barefooted. Always wear
,_ubstantial footwear, preferably steel*toed shoes.
e. Do not wear loose fitting clothing that could get caught in
.moving parts.
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc., which
could be picked up and thrown by the blade(s).
• Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing,. Stop
' machine if anyone enters the area,
e Never carry passengers.
e. Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary., Always
' look down and behind before and while backing.
• :. Beaware of the mower discharge direction end do not point it at
.'anyone, Do not operate the mower without either the entire
grass catcher or the guard in place°
e Slow down before turning.
o Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off
blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys before
dlsmounting_
e Turn off blade(s) when not mowing.
e Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging
chute.
e Mow only in daylight or good artificial fight..
e Do not operate the machine whlte under the influence of alcohot
or drugs.
• Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways.
• Use care when mowing around a fixed object to prevent the
blade(s) from strtkfng tt_ Never deliberately run over any foreign
.obJect,,
e Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine Into a
traf!er or truck,
e Use care when putl_ng loads of using heavy equipment
ao Useonly approved drawbar hitch points.,
b_ LImtt loads to those that you can safely control
€,. Do not turn sharply. Use care when backing,
d. Use counterweight(s), wheel weight or tire chains when
suggested in attachment(s) instructions,.
IL SLOPE OPERA1]ON:
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tip-over
accidents, which can result in severe injury or death All slopes
require extra caution. I! you cannot back up the slope or if you feet
uneasy on It, do not mow it.
DO
e Mow up and down slopes, not across.
e Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
e Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn
the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
• Usa slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will not have to
stop or shift while on the slope=
e Follow the manufacturer*s recommendations for whee_ weights
or counterweights to improve stabt]ity_
e Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments., These
can change the stability of the machfne,_
• 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, turn
off the blade(s) and proceed slowty straight down the slope.
DO NOT
• Do not turn on stapes unless necessary, and then slowly and
gradually downhill, if possible_
• Do not mow near drop-oils, 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_
e Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause
sliding.
• Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the
ground.
• Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes
ill. 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_
a Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful
care of another responsible adult.,
e Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.
• Before and when backing, look behind and down for small
chtldreno
• Never carry chtldren_ 3"hey may fall off and be seriously injured
or interfere with safe machine operation.
• Never allow children to operate the machine.
• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees,
or other objects that may obscure vision.
IV., SERVICE:
e Use extra care in handilng gasoline and other fuels. They are
flammable and vapors are explosive.
m Use only an approved container,
b Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running
Altow engine to cool before re*fueling. Do not smoker
c. Never ro-fue_ the machine indoors..
d_ Never store the machine or fuel container inside where
there is an open flame, such as in a water heater,
e Check fuel supply before each use allowing space for
expansion as the heat of the engine andlor sun can cause
gasoline to expand and ovedtow the tank.,
e Use extra care when handling battery acid. Acid contact wlth
skin may cause severe burns_ Eye contact may cause
blindness,
e Use extra care when servtcLng the battery_ Explosive gas is
produced in the battety_ Do not service the battery while
smoking or near an open spark or flame_ This may cause the
battery to explode causing serious Injury,
e Never run a machine inside a closed area. Exhaust fumes
contain CARBON MONOXIDE, an ODORLESS and DEADLY
GAS.
a Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight
and keep equipment in good condition=
e Never tamper with safety devices., Check their operation
regularly.,
• Do not change the engine governor settings or over speed
engine.
e Reduce fire hazards. Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or
other debris build-up Clean up otl or fuel spillage° Allow
machine to cool before storing,
• Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object., Repair, if
necessary, before restartfng.
• Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running°
e Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage, and
deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow
objects to be thrown.. Frequently check components and
replace with manufacturer's recommended parts, when
necessary_
• Mower blade(s) are sharp and can cuL Wrap the blade(s) or
wear gioves, and use extra caution when servicing them..
e Check brake operation frequently_ Adjust and service as
required,.
I A LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL TO POINT OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS,, IT MEANS--ATTENTION!!!
BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
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