Safety Rules; General Operation; Slope Operation; Children - Craftsman 917.256571 Owner's Manual

SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATI _IG 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
nstructions, 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 areais clear of other people before mowing. Stop
machine if anyone enters the area.
= Never carry passengers.
, Do not mow +nreverse unless absolutely necessary. Always
look down and behind before and while backing.
, Be aware of the mower discharge direction ann tie not point
it at anyone. De not operate the mower without either the
entire grass catcher or the guard m 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,
+ 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.
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, ff you cannot back
Jp the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.
DO:
= Mow up and down slopes, not across.
• Remove obstacles sucn as rocks, tree Iimbs, etc.
Watch for holes ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overturn the machine: Tall grass can hide obstacles.
Use slow speed. Choose a !ow 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 slow and gradual Do not
make sudden changes m speed or direction.
• Avoid starting or stopping on a SlOPe. If tires lose traction
disengage the blades and proceed slowly straightdewn the
siope.
DO NOT:
+ DO not turn on slopes untess necessary, andthen, turn slowly
and gradually downhill, if possible.
Do not mow r ear drep-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.
2
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.
+ Keeo 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 smatl
children+
• Never carry children. They may fail off and be seriously
injured or interfere with safe machine operation.
° Never allow chitdren to operate the machine.
Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision
IV. SERVICE
= Use extra care in handling gasoline and ether fuels. They are
fiammabie 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 fue! container inside where
there is an open flame, such as a water heater.
- Never run a machine inside a closed area.
= Keep nuts and belts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight
and keep equipment in good condition.
, Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regu+arly.
= 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 runmng+
Grass catcher componentsare subject to wear, damage, and
deterioration, which could expose moving parts or atlow
objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and
replace with manufacturer's recommended oarts, when nec-
essary,
• Mower blades are snare and can cut, Wrap the blade(s) or
wear gfoves, and use extra caution when servicing them
+ Check brake oeeration freauentiy. Adiust and service as
required.
Look for this symbol to point out important
safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT1!! YOUR
SAFETY !S !NVOLVED.
A WARNING A
The engine exhaust fromthis product contains
chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproduc-
tive harm.