Craftsman 917.270654 Owner's Manual page 4

• 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 oil or fuel
spillage. 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 pans,
when necessary.
• 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.
• Be sure the area is clear of other
people before mowing. Stop machine
if anyone enters the area.
• Never carry passengers or children
even with the blades off.
• Do not mow in reverse unless abso-
lutely
necessary. Always look down
and behind before and while backing.
• Never carry children. They may fall off
and be seriously injured or interfere
with safe machine operation.
• Keep children out of the mowing area
and under the watchful care of another
responsible adult.
• Be aled and turn machine off if chil-
dren enter the area.
• Before and when backing, look behind
and down for small children.
_liLoo.k for this symbol to point out impor-
tant safety precautions. It means CAU-
TION!I! BECOME AWARE!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
_CAUTION: In order to prevent acciden-
tal starting when setting up, transporting,
adjusting or making repairs always dis-
connect spark plug wire and place wire
where it cannot contact spark plug.
_I, CAUTION: Do not coast down a hill in
neutral, you may lose control of the tractor.
4
• Mow up and down slopes (15 ° Max),
not across.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree
limbs, etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Un-
even terrain could overturn the ma-
chine. 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 neces-
sary, and then, turn slowly and gradu-
ally downhill, if possible.
_:ILCAUTION: Tow only the attachments
that are recommendedby and comply with
specifications of the manufacturer of your
tractor. Use common sense when towing.
Operate only at the lowest possible speed
when on a slope. Too heavy of a load, while
on a slope, is dangerous. Tires can lose
traction with the ground and cause you to
lose control of your tractor.
_ILWARNING: The engine exhaust from
this product contains chemicals known to
the State of Califomia to cause cancer,
birth defects, or other reproductive harm.