Safe Operation Practices; General Information; Preparation Before Operating - Craftsman 12AVP2R3391 Operator's Manual

This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endanger the
personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this
manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions
may result in personal injury. When you see this symbol,
This machine was built to be operated according to the safe operation practices in this manual. As with any
type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious injury. This
machine is capable of amputating fingers, hands, toes and feet and throwing debris. Failure to observe the
following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.

GENERAL INFORMATION

1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
mower and in the manual(s) before attempting to
assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe
place for future and regular reference and for ordering
replacement parts.
2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation.
3. Never allow children under 14 years of age to operate
this mower. Children 14 and over should read and
understand the instructions and safe operation
practices in this manual and on the mower and should
be trained and supervised by an adult.
4. Never allow adults to operate this mower without
proper instruction.
5. Store mower in a dry, clean area. Do not store next to
corrosive materials, such as fertilizer.
6. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual,
use care and good judgment. Contact your customer
service representative for assistance.
7. According to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety
Commission (CPSC) and the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA), this product has an estimated
useful life of seven (7) years, under ordinary use
conditions. At the end of its useful life, have the
product inspected annually to ensure all mechanical
and safety systems are operating properly, safely, and
are not worn excessively. Failure to do so may result in
accident, injury, or death.

PREPARATION BEFORE OPERATING

1. Thoroughly inspect the area where the mower is to be
used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones, toys, and
other foreign objects which could be tripped over or
picked up and thrown by the blade(s). Thrown objects
can cause serious personal injury.
2. To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury,
stay in the operator zone behind the mower handles.
Keep helpers at least 75 feet (23 meters) from the
mower while it is in operation. Keep bystanders,
children and pets inside while the mower is in
operation. Stop mower if anyone enters the area.

SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

WARNING
HEED ITS WARNING!
DANGER
3. Be aware of the mower and attachment discharge
direction and do not point the mower discharge at
anyone.
4. Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during
operation and while performing an adjustment or
repair to protect your eyes. Thrown objects which
ricochet can cause serious injury to the eyes.
5. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-fitting
slacks and shirts. Loose fitting clothes, jewelry and
long hair can be caught in moving parts. Shirts and
pants that cover the arms and legs and steel-toed
shoes are recommended.
6. Never operate mower in bare feet, sandals, slippery or
light-weight (e.g. canvas) shoes.
7. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than 1"
(2.5 cm) below bottom of filler neck to allow space for
fuel expansion.
8. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
9. Use only accessories and attachments approved for this
mower by the mower manufacturer. Read, understand
and follow all instructions provided with the approved
accessory or attachment.
OPERATING
1. Data indicates that operators, age 65 years and above,
are involved in a large percentage of mower-related
injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability
to operate the mower safely enough to protect
themselves and others from serious injury.
2. Many injuries occur as a result of the mower being
pulled over the foot during a fall caused by slipping
or tripping. Do not hold on to the mower if you are
losing your balance or footing; immediately release
the handle.
3. Never pull the mower back toward you while you are
walking. If you must back the mower away from a wall
or obstruction first look down and behind to avoid
tripping and then follow these steps:
2