Craftsman 917.255441 Owner's Manual page 2

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SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation
Practices for Ride-On Mowers
IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACH INE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH°
L
GENERAL
OPERATION
Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual
and on the machine before starting..
°
Only 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.
Besure the area is clearof 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. Always turn off
blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys
before dismounting..
Tum off blades when not mowtng_
o
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
Ii.
SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tipover
accidents which can result in severe injury or death. Alt slopes
require extra caution, if you cannotback upthe slope or ifyou feel
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°
Useslow 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 stabiiityo
,
Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments
These can change the stability of the machine,
°
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 tose traction,
disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the
slope.,
DO NOT:
°
Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly
and gradually downhill, if possible.
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 tostabilize the machine by putting your foot on the
ground.
°
Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.
i11. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence ofchildren. Children are often attracted to the machine
and the mowing activity, Neverassume that children will remain
where you last saw them,
*
Keep childrenout of the mowing area and under the watchful
care of another responsible adult.
Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area_
o
Before and when backing, look behind and down for small
children,
°
Never carry children, They may fail otf and be seriously
injured or interfere with safe machine operation_
°
Never alIow children to operate the machine.
°
Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision,
IV. SERVICE
°
Use extracare in handlinggasoline 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°
°
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 oil or fuel spillage_
Allow machine to cool before
stodngo
°
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 catchercomponents are subject towear, 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.
..................
i H llJu,Jllu
I
A
Look!or
this symbolto
point out impor-
tant
safety
precautions.
It means
CAUTION!!!
BECOME
ALERT!i!
YOUR
SAFETY
IS INVOLVED.
, ,, ,, ,,,,,,,,,
CAUTION:
Always
disconnect
spark
plug wire and place wire where it cannot
contact
spark plug in order to prevent
accidental
startin_t
when
setting
up,
transporting,
adjusting
or making
repairs.
2

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