Craftsman 917.255732 Owner's Manual page 47

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATDON
WARNING: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-
covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable
local or state laws (if any) If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective ,.,corking order by the operator.
fil the State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may
have similar taws. Federal laws apply on federal lands, S_e your Sears Authorized Service Center for spark arrester muffler part
number 677Vt,
1., Know the controls and how to stop quickly,, READ THE
OWNER'S MANUAL..
2, Do not allow children to operate the vehicle, Do not allow
adults to operate it without proper instruction or with-
out having read the owner's manual,
3, Do not carry passengers, Keep children and pets a safe dis-
tance away,
4, Always wear substantial footwear° Do not wear loose fitting
clothing that could get caught in moving parts,
5 Keep your eyes and mind on your tractor, mower and the
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area being cut Don t let other interests distract you,
6, Do not attempt to operate your tractor or mower when
not in drivers seat,
7., Always get on or off your tractor from the operators left
hand side
8, Clear the work area of objects which might be picked up
and thrown,
9, Disengage all attachment clutches and shift into neutral be-
fore attempting to start the engine,
t0, Disengage power to attachments and stop the engine be-
fore leaving the operator's position_
11, Disengage power to mower, stop the engine and disconnect
spark plug wire(s) from spark plug(s) before cleaning, mak-
ing an adjustment or repairs_
|2_ Disengage power to attachments when transporting or not
in use,
13. Take all possible precautions when leaving the vehicle un-
attended° Disengage the power-take-off, lower the attach-
ments, shift into neutral, set the parking brake, stop the en-
gine and remove the key.
14.. Do not stop or start suddenly when going uphill or down-
hill. Mow up and down the face of slopes (not greater than
15o}; never across the face, Refer to page 43..
15 Reduce speed on slopes and make turns gradually to pre-
vent tipping or loss of control° Exercise extreme caution
when changing direction on slopes.
16. Do not shift gears while going up or down slopes.. Choose
a gear low enough to negotiate the slope without stopping
and shifting gears To reduce speed, move throttle lever
to slow.
17. Never mow in wet or slippery grass, when traction is un-
sure or at a speed which could cause a skid
18. Stay alert for holes in the terrain and other hidden hazards
19,, Do not drive too close to creeks, ditches and public high°
ways.
20, Exercise special care when mowing around fixed objects
in order to prevent the blades from striking them, Never
deliberately run tractor or mower into or over any foreign
object
21 Never shift gears until tractor comes to a stop.
22. Never place hands or feet under the mower, in the deflector
(discharge chute) or near any moving parts while tractor or
mower are running. Always keep clear of discharge chute°
23 Use care when pulling loads or using heavy equipment,.
a. Use only approved drawbar hitch points.
b, Limit loads to those you can safely controi_
c. Do not turn sharply. Use care when backing,
d. Use counterweight or wheel weights when suggested in
this owner s manual_
24. Watch out for traffic when crossing or near roadways.
25 When using any attachments, never direct discharge of
material toward bystanders nor allow anyone near the ve-
hicle while in operatiom
26° Handle gasoline with care - it is highly flammable.
a_ Use approved gasoline containers.
b.. Never remove the cap of the fuel tank or add gasoline to
a running or hot engine, or fill the fuel tank indoors°
Wipe up spilled gasoline.
c. Open doors if the engine is run in the garage - exhaust
fumes are dangerous° Do not run the engine indoors..
27, Keep the vehicle and attachments in good operating con-
dition, and keep safety devices in place,
28° Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the equip-
ment is in safe working condition,.
29. Never store the equipment with gasoline in the tank inside
a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark.
Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure..
30_ To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free of grass, leaves
or excessive greaser Do not clean product while engine is
running.
31 Except for adjustment; DO NOT operate Engine if air
cleaner or cover directly over carburetor air intake is re-
moved. Removal of such part could create a fire hazard,
32. Do not operate without a muffler or tamper with the
exhaust system,. Damaged mufflers or spark arresters
could create a fire hazard. Inspect periodically and replace
if necessary,
33., The vehicle and attachments should be stopped and inspect-
ed for damage after striking a foreign object, and the dam-
age should be repaired before restarting and operating the
equipment.
34, Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed
the engine; severe damage or injury may result.
35. When using the vehicle with mower, proceed as follows:
a_ Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light
b, Never make a cutting height adjustment while the engine
is running if the operator must dismount to do soo
c, Shut the engine off when removing the grass catcher or
unclogging chute.
d, Check the blade mounting bolts for proper tightness at
frequent intervals,
36_ Do not operate the Mower without the deflector shield in
place.
37. Disengage power to mower before backing up, Do not mow
in reverse unless absolutely necessary and then only after
careful observation of the entire area behind the mower,
LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL TO POINT OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS, IT MEANS - ATTENTION! BECOME ALERT!
YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED,
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