Craftsman 917.27404 Owner's Manual page 5

Be sure the area is clear of other people
beforemowing.Stop machineif anyone
enters the area.
Nevercarry passengersor children
evenwith the bladesoff.
Do not mow in reverseunlessabso-
lutely necessary.Always lookdown and
behind beforeandwhile backing.
Nevercarry children.They may fall off
and be seriously injuredor interferewith
safe machine operation.
Keepchildrenout of the mowingarea
and under the watchfulcare of another
responsibleadult.
Be alert and turn machineoff if children
enter the area.
Beforeand when backing, look behind
and down for small children.
Mow up and down slopes (15° Max),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 slow speed. Choose a low gear
so that you will not have to stop or shift
while on the slope.
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If
tires lose traction, disengage the blades
and proceed slowly straight down the
slope.
If machine stops while going uphill,
disengage blades, shift into reverse and
back down slowly.
Do not turn on slopes unless necessary,
and then, turn slowly and gradually
downhill, if possible.
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