Craftsman 917.388630 Owner's Manual page 3

L GENERAL OPERATmON
o Read, understand,and follow all
instructionson the machineand in the
manual(s)beforestarting. Be thoroughly
familiarwith the controlsand the proper
use of the machinebeforestarting.
o Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotatingparts. Keepclearof the dis-
charge opening at all times.
o Only allow responsibleindividuals,who
are familiar with the instructions,to
operate the machine.
o Clear the areaof objectssuch as rocks,
toys,wire, bones,sticks, etc., which
could be pickedup and thrown by the
blade.
o Be sure the area is clear of other people
before mowing.Stop machineif anyone
enters the area.
o Do not operatethe mowerwhen bare-
foot or wearingopen sandals.Always
wear substantialfoot wear.
o Do not pull mowerbackwardsunless
absolutelynecessary.Alwayslook down
and behind beforeandwhile moving
backwards.
o Do not operatethe mowerwithout
proper guards,plates, grass catcheror
other safety protectivedevices in place.
o See manufacturer'sinstructionsfor
proper operationand installationof
accessories.Only use accessoriesap-
proved by the manufacturer.
o Stop the blade(s)when crossing gravel
drives,walks, or roads.
o Stop the engine(motor)wheneveryou
leave the equipment,beforecleaning
the moweror uncloggingthe chute.
o Shut the engine(motor) off and wait
until the bladecomesto complete stop
before removinggrass catcher.
o Mow only in daylightor good artificial
light.
o Do not operatethe machinewhile under
the influenceof alcohol or drugs.
o Neveroperate machinein wet grass.
Alwaysbe sure of your footing:keepa
firm hold on the handle andwalk; never
run.
o Disengagethe self-propelledmech-
anism or drive clutch on mowersso
equippedbeforestarting the engine
(motor).
o If the equipmentshould start to vibrate
abnormally,stop the engine (motor)and
check immediatelyfor the cause.Vibra-
tion is generallya warning of trouble.
o Alwayswear safetygoggles or safety
glasseswith side shieldswhen oper-
ating mower.
H.SLOPE OPERATmON
Slopes are a majorfactor relatedto slip
and fall accidentswhich can result in
severeinjury.All slopes require extra cau-
tion. If you feel uneasyon a slope,do not
mow it.
DO:
o Mow acrossthe face of slopes:never
up and down.Exerciseextremecaution
when changingdirectionon slopes.
o Removeobstacles such as rocks,tree
limbs,etc.
o Watchfor holes,ruts, or bumps.Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
DO NOT:
o Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or
embankments. The operator could lose
footing or balance.
o Do not trim excessively steep slopes.
o Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced foot-
ing could cause slipping.
HI. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the 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.
o Keep children out of the trimming area
and under the watchful care of another
responsible adult.
o Be alert and turn machine off if children
enter the area.
o Before and while walking backwards,
look behind and down for small children.
o Never allow children to operate the ma-
chine.
o Use extra care when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects
that may obscure vision.
inV.SERVmCE
o 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 store the machine or fuel
container inside where there is an
open flame, such as a water heater.
o Never run a machine inside a closed area.
o Never make adjustments or repairs with
the engine (motor) running. Disconnect the
spark plug wire, and keep the wire away
from the plug to prevent accidental starting.