Craftsman 917.25147 Owner's Manual page 2

SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
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.
i. 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 me
instructions, to operate the machine.
Clear the area of objects such as rOCKS toys wire etc.
which could be picked up ann thrown oy the blade,
Be sure the area is clear of other eeoole before mowing. Stop
machine if anyone enters the area.
Never carry passengers.
Do not mow in reverse unless abSOlUtely necessary. Always
look down and behind before anG while backing
Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not eolnt
it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without either the
entire grass catcher or the guara in place
Slow down before turning.
Never leave a running machine unattenaea Always turn off
blades, set parking brak_/stoe engine, al"_ remove Keys
before dismounting.
Turn off blades when not mowing.
Stop engine before removing grass catcner or unclogging
chute.
Mow only in daylight or good artificial lignt
,, Do not operate the machine while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roaaways.
Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into
a trailer or truck.
II, SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor "elated to toss-of-control ann
tipover accident,, which can result in severe injury or seam.
All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back uo me
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 terrair could
overturn the machine. Tafl grass can hide obstacles.
Use slow speed. Choose a low gear _a that you will net have
to stop or shift while on the slope.
Follow the manufacturer's recommenaations for wheel
weights or counterweights to _mprove s[ao_l_ty
Use extra care with grass catchers or other attacnmems
These can change the stability of the macnme
Keep all movement on the sfc Des stow ann graou_ Do not
make sudden changes in speea or o_receon
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope f tires lose traction
disengage the blades and oroceea s_ow_ysrratghtdown me
slope.
DO NOT:
Do not turn on slopes unless necessar_, ann men. turn SlOWly
and gradually downhill, if possible
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or emuanKmems The
mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge
of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves _r
Do not mow on wet grass Reduced traction could cause
sliding.
Do not try to stabilize the machine b_. 3using your foot on the
ground.
Do not use grass catcher on s_eee sic ses
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.
Keeo children out of the mowing area and under the watchful
;are of anomer responsible adult.
Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.
Before and when backing, ook behind and down for small
children.
Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously
njured or interfere with sate machine operauon.
Never a! ow children to operate the machine.
Use extra care t,,nen approaching blind corners, shrubs.
trees, or other o_.ects that may obscure vision.
iV.
SERVICE
Use extra care _nnanaHng gasoline and other fuels. The are
flammable and vapors are exeloslve.
Use only an approved container.
Never remove gas cad or and fuel witt" the engine
running. Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do not
smoke.
Never refuel the mscn_ne indoors.
Never store the m_cn_ne or fuel container inside wnere
there is an penn flame such as a water heater.
Never run a machine inside a c!osed area.
Keep nuts and DOltS.especially blade attachment bolts, t_gnt
anc_Keep eou_omen[ _ngooa c Dnd_hon
Never _amper w_tr safet, 3ewces. Check tnelr proper
operation regu_any.
Keep machine free of grass eaves, or other debris build-up.
Clean oil or rue spillage Allow machine to cool before
stonng.
Stop and respect the equipment if you strike an object
Repair, if necessary, betore restarting.
Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running.
Grass catcher components are subject to wear. damage, and
deterioration, which coulo expose mowng parts or allow
objects to be thrown. Freaueetly check components and
reelace with manufacturer's recommended Darts. when nec-
essary.
Mower biases are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade,s or
wear g__ves ann use extra caution when servicing them
Check brake operation freouently Adjust and service as
reau_rea
Look for this symbol to point out im-
portant safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS iNVOLVED.
d place wire where it cannot contact
plug in order to prevent accidental
_ staring when setting up, transporting,
_ -- .... =
A WARNING
The engine exhaust from this product con-
tains chemicals known to the State of Califor-
nia to cause cancer, birth defects, or other
reproductive harm.