Safety Rules - Craftsman 917.254850 Owner's Manual

SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OFAMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECT&
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow alt instructions in the manuat
and on the machine before starting..
• Onty 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 absolutely necessary.. Always
look down 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_
• Slow down before turning.
• Never leave a running machine unattended. Atways 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 unloading the machine into
a trailer or truck.
!1. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to toss-of-control and
tipover accidents, which can result in severe injury or death.
AI! slopes require extra caution, tf you cannot back up the
slope or' if you fee! 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 hotes, 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.
° Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel
weights or counterweights to improve stability..
° Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments,
These can change the stability of the machine
° Keep all movement on the slopes sfowand gradual. Do not
make sudden changes in speed or direction.
° Avoid starting or stopping on a slope, tf 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 if 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.
• Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes..
IlL 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.
• 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..
° Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously
injured or interfere with safe machine operation..
° Never allow children to operate the machine..
° Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vislon_
IV. SERVICE
• Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuets_ 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..
• Never run a machine inside a dosed area_
• Keep nuts and boits, especially blade attachment bolts, tight
and keep equipment in good condition
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regulady_
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up.
Clean oil or fuel spitiage Allow machine to cool before
storing
• Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object..
Repair, if necessary, before restarting,
• Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running_
• Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage, and
deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow
objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and
replace with manufacturer's recommended parts, when nec-
essary
• Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or
wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them_
• Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as
required.
A, Look for this symbol to point out impor-
tant safety precautions. It means CAU-
TIONI!t BECOME ALERTV, tt YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
CAUTION: Always disconnect sparkplug
wire and place wire where it cannot con-
tact spark plug in order to prevent acci-
dental starting when setting up, trans_
porting, adjusting or making repairs,
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