Safety Rules; General Operation; Slope Operation; Children - Craftsman ELECTRIC START 42" MOWER AUTOMATIC LAWN TRACTOR 944.602951 Owner's Manual

SAFETY RULES
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4Rk Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers a
IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the
manual and on the machine before starting.
• Only allow responsible aduifs, who are familiar wifh the
instructions, to operate the machine.
• Ciearthe 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.
• Nevercarry passengers.
• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
Always lookdown 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.
• Slowdown beforetuming.
• Neverleave a runningmachine unattended. Alwaystum
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 unclog-
ging chute.
• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
• Do not operatethe mechinewhile under theinfluence of
alcohol or drugs.
• Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing road-
ways.
• Use extra care when loading or unloading 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 injuries. These operators should evaluate their
ability to operate the riding mower safely enough to
protect themselves and others from serious injury.
• Keep machine free ofgrass, leaves or other debris build-
up which can touch hot exhaust/engine parts and bum.
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.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopesare a majorfactor relatedto loss-of-control a nd tipover
accidents,whichcan resultin severe injuryor death. All slopes
requireextracaution.If youcannotbackup theslopeor ifyoufeel
uneasy on 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 slow speed. Choose a low gear sothat you will not
have to stop or shift while on the slope.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel
weights or counterweights to improve stability.
• Use extra care with grass catchers or other attach-
ments. These can change the stability of the machine.
Keep all movementon the slopesslowand gradual Do not
make sudden changes in speed or direction.
• Avoidstartingor stoppingon a slope. If tires lose traction,
disengagethe bladesand proceedslowlystraightdownthe
slope.
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DO NOT:
• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn
slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
• Do not mow near drep-offs, ditches, or embankments.
The mower could suddenlytum over ifawheel isover the
edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.
• Donotmow on wet grass. Reduced traction couldcause
sliding.
• Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot
on the ground.
• Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.
III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur ifthe operator is not alert to the
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the
machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that
children will remain where you last saw them.
• Keep children out of the mowing area and under the
watchful care of another responsible adult.
• Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.
• Before and when backing, look behind and down for
small children.
• Nevercarrychildren. TheymayfaUoffandbeseriously
injured or interfere with safe machine operation.
• Never allow children to operate the machine.
• Use extracare when approaching blindcomers, 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 storethe machine or fuel containerinsidewhere
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 oilorfuel spillage. Allowmachine tocool
before storing.
• Stop and inspect the equipment ifyou strike an object.
Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
• Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine
running.
• Grass catcher components are subject to wear, dam-
age, and deterioration,which couldexpose movingparts
or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check compo-
nents and replace with manufacturer's recommended
parts, when necessary.
• Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrapthe blade(s)
or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing
them.
• Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service
as required.