Safety Rules - Craftsman 917.259566 Owner's Manual

SAFETY RULES
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Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers u
IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT iN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, undemtand,and followell instructions in the manual
and on the machinebeforestarting.
• Only allow responsibleadults, who ere familiar with the
instructions, t o operatethe machine.
• Clear the area of ob ects such as rocks,toys, wire, etc.,
wh c_ cou d be pickedup and thrownby the blade.
• Be surethe area isclearofotherpeoplebeforemowing.Stop
machineif anyone enters the area.
• Nevel"carry passengers.
• Do notmowin reverseunlessabsolutelynecessary.Always
look downand behind beforeand while backing.
• Be aware of the mowerdischargedirectionanddo notpoint
it at anyone. Do not operatethe mowerwithouteitherthe
entiregrass catcher or the guard in place.
• Slow down before turning.
• Never leave a runningmachineunattended. Alwaystum off
blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys
before dismounting.
• Turn off bladeswhen not mowing.
• Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging
chute.
• Mow only in daylightor goodartificiallight.
• Do not operate the machine while under the influenceof
alcoholor drugs.
• Watch fortrafficwhen operatingnear or crossingroedways.
• Use extra care when loadingor unloading the machineinto
e traileror 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. 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 downslopes,not across.
• Removeobstaclessuchas recks,tree limbs,etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overfumthe machine. Tall grasscan hide obstacles.
• Use slowspeed. Choosea lowgear sothatyouwill not have
to stop or shiftwhileon the slope.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommendationsfor wheel
weightsor counterweights to improvestability.
• Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments.
These can change the stabilityof the machine.
• Keep all movementon the slopesslow and gradual. Do not
make suddenchangesin speed or direction.
• Avoid startingor stoppingon a slope. If tires lose traction,
disengagethe bladesand proceedslowlystraightdownthe
slope.
DO NOT:
• Donottumonslopesunlessnecessary,andthen,tumslowly
and graduallydownhill,if possible.
• Do not mow near drop-offs,ditches,or embankments.The
mowercouldsuddenlyturnover if a wheel isover the edge
of a cliffor ditch,or if an edge caves in.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced tractioncould cause
sliding.
• Donottrytostabilizethemachinebyputtingyourfootonthe
ground.
• Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.
III. 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.
• Keepchildrenoutofthe mowing area and underthewatchful
care of anotherresponsibleadult.
Be alert and turnmachineoft if childrenenter the area.
• Beforeand when backing,lookbehindand downfor small
children.
• Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously
injuredor interferewith safe machineoperation.
• Never allowchildrento operatethe machine.
• Use extra care when approachingblind comers, shrubs,
trees, or otherobjectsthat may obscurevision.
IV. SERVICE
• Useextracare inhandling gasolineandotherfuels.Theyare
flammableand vaporsare explosive.
Use onlyan approvedcontainer.
Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allowengine to cool beforerefueling. Do not
smoke,
Never refuelthe machineindoors.
Never storethe machineor fuel containerinsidewhere
there isan openflame, suchas.a water heater.
• Never run a machineinsidea closedarea.
• Keep nutsand belts,especially bladeattachmentboltstight
and keep equipmentin goodcondition.
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operationragulady.
• Keep machinefree ofgrass,leaves,or otherdebrisbuild-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 repairswiththeengine running.
• Grasscatchercompenants era subject t owear, damage,and
deterioration,which could expose moving parts or allow
objectsto be thrown, Frequentlycheck componentsand
replacewithmanufacturer's recommended parts,when nec-
essary.
• Mowerbladesare sharpand can cut. Wrap the blade(s)or
wear gloves,and use extra cautionwhen servicing them.
• Check brake operationfrequently. Adjust and serviceas
required.
Look for this symbol to point out important
safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!II BECOME ALERTIn YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug
wire end place wire where It cannot contact
spark plug In order to prevent accidental
starting when setting up, transporting,
adjusting or making repairs.
A WARNING A
The engine exhaust from this product contains
chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproduc-
tive harm.
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