Safety Rules; General Operation; Slope Operation; Children - Craftsman 917.258552 Owner's Manual

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SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation
Practices
for Ride-On
Mowers
u
IMPORTANT:
THIS CUTTING
MACHINE
_S CAPABLE
OF AMPUTATING
HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING
OBJECTS.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE
THE FOLLOWING
SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS
COULD RESULT
ANSERIOUS
INJURY
OR DEATH.
i.
GENERAL
OPERATION
Read, understand, and fo!Iow all instructions in the manual
andon the machine before starting.
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 blade.
Be surethe area is clear of other people 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 and while backing.
Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point
it at anyone.
Do not operate the mower without either the
entire grass catcher or the guard in place,
Slow down before turning.
Never leave a running machine unattended, Always turn off
blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys
before dismounting.
Turn off blades when not mowing.
Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging
chute.
Mow 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 roadways.
Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into
a trailer or truck.
II.
SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes
are a major
factor
related
to loss-of-control
and
tipover accidents,
which can result in severe injury or death,
All slopes
require extra caution.
If you cannot back up the
slope or if you feel uneasyon
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 terrain could
overturn the machine.
Tall grass can hide obstacles.
Use stow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will not have
to stop or shift while on the slope.
Fofiow the manufacturer's
recommendations
for wheel
weights or counterweights
to improve stability.
Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments.
These can change the stability of the machine.
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,
disengage the blades and proceed slOwly straight down the
slope.
DO NOT:
Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly
and gradually downhill, if possible.
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.
The
mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge
of a cliffor ditch, or if an edge caves in.
°
Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause
sliding,
Do not tryto stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the
ground.
Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.
III.
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
wilt remain where
you last saw them.
Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful
care of another responsible adutt,
Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.
Before and when backing, look behind and down for small
children.
Never carry children,
They 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
Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They are
flammable and vapors are explosive,
Use only an approved container,
Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allow engine to cool before refueling.
Do not
smoke.
Never refuel the machine indoors.
Never store the machine or fuel container inside where
there is an open flame, such as a water heater
Never run a machine inside a closed area,
Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight
and keep equipment in good condition.
Never tamper with safety devices.
Check their proper
operation regularly.
Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build, up.
Clean oil or fuel spillage.
AIiow machine
to coot before
storing,
Stop and inspect the equipment
if you strike an object.
Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running.
Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage, and
deterioration,
which could expose
moving parts or altow
objects to be thrown.
Frequently check components
and
replace with manufacturer's recommended
parts, when nec-
essary,
Mower bfades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or
wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.
Check brake operation frequently.
Adjust and service as
required,
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A
Look for this
symbol
to point
out im-
portant
safety
precautions.
It means
CAUTION!!!
BECOME
ALERT!!!
YOUR
SAFETY
IS INVOLVED.
Itl
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I tHlIHLtl!tt
L tt
CAUTION:
Always disconnect
spark plug
A
wire and place wirewhere
it cannot contact
spark plug in order to prevent accidental
starting
when setting
up, transporting,
adjusting or making repairs.
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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.
I I J IJIIIIIII
II1[
II

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