Craftsman 900.370260 Instruction Manual page 16

IMPORTANT SAFETYRULES
WARNING: When using Electric Tools, basic safety precautions should always be followed to
reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and personal injury, including the following:
IMPORTANT
FEDERAL REGULATIONS REQUIRE OPERATOR PRESENCE BLADE STOP CONTROLS TO MINIMIZE THE RISK OF BLADE
CONTACT INJURY. YOUR MOWER IS EQUIPPED WITH SUCH CONTROLS. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DEFEAT THE FUNCTION OF
THE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.
• KNOW YOUR MOWER - Read the manual carefully. Be thoroughly
familiar with the controls and the proper use of your mower.
• AVOID DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENT - Don't use your mower in
the rain or in damp or wet locations. Don't operate it in gaseous or
explosive atmospheres. Motors normally spark and the sparks might
ignite fumes.
• USE PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT - Wear safety spectacles or
goggles while mowing (regular eyeglasses are not safety glasses).
Use face or dust mask if operation is dusty. Safety spectacles are
available at your Sears dealer.
• KEEP GUARDS AND SHIELDS IN PLACE - and keep in working
order.
• GUARD AGAINST ELECTRIC SHOCK - Repair or replace dam-
aged mower cord or extension cords immediately. To prevent discon-
nection of mower cord from the extension cord during use, thread the
cord through the cord control hanger, as shown in Figure 10.
• DANGER: KEEP AWAY FROM BLADE AREA - Risk of cut - Keep
hands and feet away from blade. Don't attempt to remove cut material
or unclog chute when blade is moving.
• DISCONNECT TOOL - Release switch lever to turn off mower and
unplug cord from receptacle or extension cord when tool is not in use,
before making adjustments, before servicing, cleaning and when
changing blade.
• KEEP CHILDREN AWAY- All visitors should be kept a safe distance
from work area.
• STORE IDLE LAWN MOWER INDOORS - When not in use, tool
should be stored indoors in a dry place, locked-up - out of reach of
children.
• DON'T FORCE THE MOWER - It will do the job better and safer at
the rate for which it was designed.
• USE RIGHT TOOL - Do not use tool for any job except that for which
it is intended.
• DRESS PROPERLY - Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. They
can be caught in moving parts. Use of substantial rubber soled
footwear is recommended.
• DON'T ABUSE CORD - Never carry tool by cord or yank it to
disconnect from receptacle. Keep cord from heat, oil and sharp
edges.
• WARNING - To reduce the risk of electric shock hazard use only with
an extension cord suitable for outdoor use. Always connect exten-
sion cords to a fused line or one protected by a circuit breaker.
• DON'T OVERREACH - Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
• MAINTAIN TOOLS WITH CARE - Keep blade sharp and clean for
best and safest performance. Follow instructions for lubricating and
changing accessories.
• AVOID ACCIDENTAL STARTING - Be sure switch is off when
plugging in.
• OBJECTS STRUCK BY THE LAWN MOWER BLADE can cause
severe injuries to persons. The lawn should always be carefully
examined and cleared of all objects prior to each mowing.
• IF MOWER STRIKES A FOREIGN OBJECT follow these steps: (a)
Release switch lever to turn off mower, (b) Unplug power cord, (c)
Inspect for damage, (d) Repair any damage before restarting and
operating the mower.
• USE IDENTICAL REPLACEMENT BLADES ONLY.
• WHEN SERVICING - Use only identical replacement parts.
• READTHISINSTRUCTION MANUAL CAREFULLY. Be thoroughly
familiar with the controls and the proper use of the equipment.
• NEVER ALLOW CHILDREN TO OPERATE A POWER MOWER.
• KEEP THE AREA OF OPERATION CLEAR of all persons, particu-
larly small children and pets.
• THOROUGHLY INSPECTTHE AREA where the equipment is to be
used and remove all stones, sticks, wires, bones, and other foreign
objects that could be thrown by the blade.
• DO NOT OPERATE THE EQUIPMENT WHEN BAREFOOT OR
WEARING OPEN SANDALS. Always wear substantial footwear.
• NEVER A'I-FEMPT TO MAKE A WHEEL HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
WHILE THE MOTOR IS RUNNING or while the mower is plugged in.
• MOW ONLY IN DAYLIGHT OR IN GOOD ARTIFICIAL LIGHT.
• NEVER OPERATETHE EQUlPMENTIN WETGRASS. Always be sure
of your footing; keep a firm hold on the handle and walk; never run.
• DO NOT PUT HANDS OR FEET NEAR OR UNDER ROTATING
PARTS. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.
• RELEASE SWITCH LEVER TO TURN MOWER OFF when crossing
gravel drives, walks or roads.
• IF THE MOWER STALLS, be sure to release switch lever to turn
mower off and unplug the cord and wait for the blade to come to a full
stop before attempting to unclog the chute or remove anything from
under the deck.
• AFTER STRIKING A FOREIGN OBJECT, release switch lever to
turn mower off and unplug the mower, thoroughly inspect the mower
for any damage and repair the damage before restarting and oper-
ating the mower.
• IF THE EQUIPMENT SHOULD START TO VIBRATE ABNOR-
MALLY release switch lever, unplug the mower and check immedi-
ately for the cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
• RELEASE SWITCH LEVER to turn mower off and unplug the mower
"and wait for the blade to come to a full stop whenever you leave the
equipment, before unclogging the deck or chute, or cleaning the
mower housing, and when making any repairs or inspections.
• WHEN CLEANING, REPAIRING, OR INSPECTING, make certain
the blade and all moving parts have stopped.
• SHUT THE MOTOR OFF AND WAIT UNTIL THE BLADE COMES
TO A COMPLETE STOP before removing the grass catcher or
unclogging chute.
• MOW ACROSS THE FACE OF SLOPES; NEVER UP AND DOWN.
Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes. Do not
mow excessively steep slopes.
• NEVER OPERATE THE MOWER without proper guards, plates, or
other safety protective devices in place.
• EXERCISE CAUTION Use extreme caution when backing up with
the mower.
LOOKFORTHIS SYMBOLTO POINTOUT IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.
IT MEANS- AT]'ENTION!!! B ECOME ALERT!!!YOURSAFETYIS INVOLVED.