Safety Rules - Craftsman 917.27404 Owner's Manual

mMPORTANT: This cutting machineis capableof amputatinghands andfeet and throw-
ing objects.Failureto observethe followingsafety instructionscould resultin serious
injury or death.
_WARNING: In order to preventac-
cidentalstarting when setting up, trans-
porting,adjustingor making repairs,
always disconnectspark plug wire and
placewire where it cannotcontact spark
_lb u g"
WARNmNG:Do not coast down a hill in
neutral,you may lose controlof the tractor.
_WARNmNG: Tow onlythe attachments
that are recommendedby and complywith
specificationsof the manufacturerof your
tractor.Use commonsensewhen towing.
Operate only at the lowestpossiblespeed
when on a slope. Too heavyof a load,
while on a slope, is dangerous.Tires can
losetraction with the ground and cause
u to losecontrol of your tractor.
WARNmNG: Engineexhaust,some of its
constituents,and certain vehiclecompo-
nentscontain or emit chemicalsknown
to the State of Californiato cause cancer
and birth defects or other reproductive
harm.
_WARNmNG: Batteryposts,terminals
and related accessoriescontain lead and
lead compounds,chemicalsknown to the
State of Californiato cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductiveharm.
Wash hands after handling.
L GENERAL OPERATmON
,, Read, understand, and follow all instruc-
tions in the manual and on 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 sure the area is clear of other people
before mowing. Stop machine if anyone
enters the area.
,, Never carry passengers.
Do not mow in reverse unless abso-
lutely necessary. Always look down and
behind before and while backing.
Be aware of the mower discharge direc-
tion 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 unat-
tended. 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 un-
loading the machine into a trailer or
truck.
Data indicates that operators, age 60
years and above, are involved in a large
percentage of riding mower-related in-
juries. These operators should evaluate
their ability to operate the riding mower
safely enough to protect themselves
and others from serious injury.
Keep machine free of grass, leaves or
other debris build-up which can touch
hot exhaust / engine parts and burn. Do
not allow the mower deck to plow leaves
or other debris which can cause build-
up to occur. Clean any oil or fuel
spillage before operating or storing the
machine. Allow machine to cool before
storage.
H. 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 uneasy on it, do
not mow it.
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