General Operation - Craftsman 917.271631 Owner's Manual

IMPORTANT: T his cuttingmachineis capableof amputatingIlands and feet and
throwingobjects_ Failureto observe the followingsafetyinstructionscould result in
serious injury or death.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
o Read,understand, a nd follow all
instructions in the manualand on the
machinebeforestarting.
o Only allow responsibleadults,who are
familiarwith tile instructions, t o operate
the machine_
° Clearthe areaof objectssuchas rocks,
toys,wire,etco,whichcouldbe picked
up andthrownby the blade°
° Be surethe areais clearof otherpeople
beforemowing. Stop machineif anyone
entersthe area..
o Nevercarry passengers.
o Do not mow in reverseunlessabsolutely
necessary.Alwayslookdownand
behindbeforeand w!_ilebacking_
• 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°
o Slow down before turning.
o Never leave a running machine
unattended_ Always turn off blades, set
parking brake, stop engine, and remove
keys before dismounting,
o Turn off blades when not mowing.
o Stop engine before removing grass
catcher or unclogging chute.
o 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 unload-
ing the machine into a trailer or truck,.
o 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 them-
selves and others frorn serious injury,
o 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.
I!. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-
control and tipover accidents, which can re-
sutt 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,
DO:
° Mow up and down slopes, not across.
o 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.
o Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so
that you will not have to stop or shift
while on the slope_
• Follow the manufacturer's recommenda-
tions for wheel weights or counter-
weights to improve stability.
• Use extra care with grass catchers or
other attachments. These can change
the stability of the machine.
o Keep all movement on the slopes slow
and graduaL Do not make sudden
changes in speed or direction°
• Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If
tires lose traction, disengage the blades
and proceed slowly straight down the
slope_
DO NOT:
o Do not turn on slopes unless necessary,
and then, turn slowly and gradually
downhill, if possible.
o Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or
embankments. The mower could
suddenly turn over il a wheel is over the
edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge
caves in.
° Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced
traction could cause sliding°
° Do not try to stabilize the machine by
putting your foot on the ground.
o Do not use grass catcher on steep
slopes.
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