Craftsman 917.377250 Owner's Manual page 2

SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Mowers
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.
SAFETY STANDARDS REQUIRE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLS TO M1NIMIZE THE RiSK OF INJURY. YOUR UNIT tS
EQUIPPED WITH SUCH CONTROLS, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DEFEAT THE FUNCTION OF THE OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROLS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.
TRAINING:
• Read this operator's manual carefully. Become familiar with
the controls and know how to operate your mower propedy.
Learn how to quickly stop mower,
• Do not allow children to use your mower_ Never allow adults
to use mower without proper instructions.
= Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, especially
small children and pets_
• Use mower only as the manufacturer intended and as de-
scribed in this manual°
• Do not operate mower if it has been dropped or damaged in
any manner. Always have damage repaired before using
your mower.
• Do not use accessory attachments that are not recommended
by the manufacturer. Use of such attachments may be
hazardous.
• The blade turns when the engine is running.
PREPARATION:
• Always thoroughly check the area to be mowed and clear it of
all stones, sticks, wires, bones, and other foreign objects.
These objects will be thrown by the blade and can cause
severe injury.
• Always wear safety glasses or eye shields when starting and
while using your mower.
,, Dress properly.. Do not operate mower when barefoot or
wearing open sandals. Wear only solid shoes with good
traction when mowing.
• Check fuel tank before starting engine. Do not fill gas tank
indoors, when the engine is running or when the engine is hot.
Allow the engine to cool for several minutes before tiltingthe
gastank. Clean off any spilled gasoline before starting the
engme_
• Always make wheel height adjustments before starting your
mower_ Never attempt to do this while the engine is runntng.
• Mow only in daylight or 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 reave 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 lt.
• Before cleaning, inspecting, or repairingyour mower, stop the
engine and make absolutely sure the blade and alt moving
parts have stopped. Then disconnect the spark plug wire and
keep it away from the spark ptug 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 dam-
age before restarting and operating you mower.
* Do not change the governor settings or overspeed the
engine. Engine damage or personal injury may resulL
* Do not operate your mower tf it vibrates abnormally. Exces-
sive 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 danger-
ous.
• Never cut grass by pulling the mower towards you. Mow
across the face of siopes, never up and down or you might
lose your footing. Do not mow excessively steep slopes. Use
caution when operating the mower on uneven terrain orwhen
changing directions - maintain good footing.
• Never operate your mower without proper guards, plates,
grass catcher or other safety devices in place°
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:
• Check the blade and the engine mounting botts often to be
sure they are tightened properly
• Check all bolts, nuts and screws at frequent intervals for
proper tightness to be sure mower is in safe working condi-
tion.
* Keep all safety devices in place and working.
• To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free of grass, leaves
or excessive grease and oil
• Check grass catcher often for deterioration and wear and
replace worn 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,
* Allow engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.
• Never store mower with fuet 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.
Look for this symbol to point out im-
portant safety precautions. It means
CAUTIONIt! BECOMEALERTH! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED,
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CAUTION: Always disconnect spark
_1) plug wire and place wire where it can-
not contact
spark plug
in order to pre-
vent accidental starting when setting
up, transporting, adjusting or making
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A WARNING A
The engine exhaust from this product con-
tains ctiemicals known to the State of Califor-
nia
to cause cancer, birth defects, or other
reproductive harm.
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