Operation; Maintenance - Craftsman 917.377561 Owner's Manual

hot.Allowthe engineto coolfor several
minutesbefore_'illing the gastank.Clean
off any spilledgasolinebeforestartingthe
engine.
- Alwaysmakewheelheight adjustments
beforestartingyourmower.Never
attemptto do thiswhile the engineis
running,
o Mow onlyin daylightor good artificial
light,
OPERATION:
• Keep your eyes and mind on your mower
and the area being cut. Do not let other
interests distract you.
° Do not mow wet or slippery grass. Never
run while operating your mower. Always
be sure of your footing -- keep a firm
hold on the handles and walk.
° Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotating parts. Keep clear of the discharge
opening at all times_
° Always stop the engine whenever you
leave or are not using your mower, or
before crossing driveways, walks, roads,
and any gravel--covered areas.
• Never direct discharge of material toward
bystanders nor allow anyone near the
mower while you are operating it.
° Before cleaning, inspecting, or repairing
your mower, stop the engine and make
absolutely sure the blade and all moving
parts have stoppe& Then disconnect the
spark plug wire and keep it away from the
spark plug to prevent accidental starting.
• Do not continue to run your mower if you
hit a foreign object. Follow the procedure
outlined above, then repair any damage
before restarting and operating you
mower.
• Do not change the governor settings or
overspeed the engine. Engine damage or
personal injury may result.
• Do not operate your mower if it vibrates
abnormally. Excessive vibration is an
indication of damage; stop the engine,
safely check for the cause of vibration
and repair as required.
o Do not run the engine indoors. Exhaust
fumes are dangerous.
° Never cut grass by pulling the mower
towards you_ Mow across the face of
slopes, never up and down or you might
lose your footing. Do not mow exces-
sively steep slopes. Use caution when
operating the mower on uneven terrain
or when changing directions -- maintain
good footing°
° Never operate your mower without
proper guards, plates, grass catcher or
other safety devices in place.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:
o Check the blade and the engine mount-
ing bolts often to be sure they are
tightened properly.
o Check all bolts, nuts and screws at
frequent intervals for proper tightness to
be sure mower is in safe working
condition.
° Keep all safety devices in place and
working.
o To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine
free of grass, leaves or excessive grease
and oil.
o Check grass catcher often for deteriora-
tion and wear and replace wom bags.
Use only replacement bags that are
recommended by and comply with
specifications of the manufacturer of your
mower.
• Always keep a sharp blade on your
mower.
o Allow engine to cool before storing in any
enclosure_
o Never store mower with fuel in the tank
inside a building where fumes may reach
an open flame or an ignition source such
as a hot water heater, space heater,
clothes dryer, etc.
CAUTION: Always disconnect spark
plug wire and place wire where it
cannot contact spark plug in order to
prevent accidental starting when
setting up, transporting, adjusting or
making repairs.
WARNING
The engine exhaust from this product
contains chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer, birth
defects, or other reproductive harm.