Safety Instructions; General Operation - Craftsman 247.38528 Operator's Manual

This symbolpointsout importantsafetyinstructionswhich,if not
followed,couldendangerthepersonalsafetyand/orpropertyof
yourselfand others. Readand followall instructionsin this manual
beforeattemptingto operatethis machine.Failureto complywith
these instructionsmay resultin personalinjury.Whenyou seethis
symbol,HEEDITS WARNING!
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
EngineExhaust,someof its constituents,and certainvehicle
componentscontainor emit chemicalsknownto Stateof California
to cause cancerand birthdefects or other reproductive harm.
Batteryposts,terminals,and relatedaccessoriescontainlead and
leadcompounds,chemicalsknownto the Stateof California to
cause cancerand reproductiveharm.Washhandsafter handling.
This machinewas builtto be operatedaccordingto the safeopera-
tion practicesin this manual.As with anytype of powerequipment,
carelessnessor error on the partof the operatorcan resultin serious
injury.This machineis capableof amputatingfingers,hands,toes
and feet and throwingdebris.Failureto observethe followingsafety
instructionscouldresultin seriousinjuryor death.
Your Responsibility--Restrict the useof this powermachineto
personswho read,understand and follow thewarningsand instruc-
tions in this manualand on the machine.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
GENERAL OPERATION
* Readthis operator'smanual carefullyin its entiretybefore
attemptingto assemblethis machine.Read,understand,and
followall instructionson the machineand in the manualsbefore
operation.Keepthis manualin a safe placefor futureand regular
referenceand for orderingreplacement p arts
, Be completelyfamiliarwith the controlsand the properuseof this
machinebeforeoperatingit.
, This machineis a precisionpieceof powerequipment,not a
plaything.Therefore,exerciseextremecautionat all times.This
machinehas beendesignedto performonejob: to mowgrass.
Do not useit for anyother purpose.
, Neverallowchildrenunder 14 yearsof age to operatethis
machine.Children14and over shouldreadand understandthe
instructionsand safe operationpracticesin this manualand on
the machineand shouldbe trainedand supervisedbyan adult.
, Only responsible individualswhoare familiarwith these rulesof
safeoperationshouldbe allowedto usethis machine.
, Thoroughlyinspectthe area wherethe equipmentis to be used.
Removeall stones,sticks,wire, bones,toysand otherforeign
objects,whichcould be trippedoveror picked up and thrownby
the blade.Thrownobjectscancause seriouspersonalinjury.
, Planyour mowingpatternto avoiddischargeof materialtoward
roads,sidewalks,bystandersand the like.Also, avoiddischarg-
ing materialagainsta wall or obstruction,whichmay cause
dischargedmaterialto ricochetback towardthe operator.
, Tohelp avoidbladecontactor a thrownobjectinjury, stayin
operatorzonebehindhandlesand keepchildren,bystanders,
helpersand pets at least 75 feet from mowerwhileit is in opera-
tion. Stopmachineif anyoneentersarea.
• Alwayswear safetyglassesor safetygogglesduring operation
and while performing an adjustmentor repairto protectyoureyes.
Thrownobjectswhich ricochetcancause seriousinjuryto the
eyes.
Wearsturdy,rough-soledwork shoesand close-fittingslacks
and shirts.Shirtsand pantsthat coverthe arms and legsand
steel-toedshoesare recommended. N everoperatethis machine
in bare feet,sandals,slipperyor light-weight(e.g.canvas)shoes.
Donot put handsor feet near rotatingpartsor underthe cutting
deck. Contactwith bladecan amputatefingers,hands,toesand
feet.
A missingor damageddischargecovercan causeblade contact
or thrownobject injuries.
Manyinjuriesoccur as a resultof the mowerbeing pulledoverthe
foot during a fall causedby slippingor tripping.Do not holdon to
the mowerif you are falling: releasethe handleimmediately.
Neverpullthe mowerback towardyouwhileyou are walking.If
you mustback the mowerawayfrom a wallor obstructionfirst
lookdownand behindto avoidtrippingand then followthese
steps:
1. Stepbackfrom mowerto fully extendyourarms forward.
2. Be sureyouare wellbalancedwith surefooting.
3. Pullthe mowerback slowly,no morethan half waytoward
you.
4. Repeatthese stepsas needed.
Donot operatethe mowerwhileunderthe influenceof alcoholor
drugs.
Donot engagethe self-propelled mechanism on machinesso
equippedwhilestartingengine.
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