Safety Rules; General Operation; Children; Slope Operation - Craftsman 917.258492 Owner's Manual

SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OFAM PUTATING HANDS AND FEETAND THROWING OBJECTS,
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH,
GENERAL OPERATION
Road, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual
and on the machine before starting.
Only allow respeesible adults, who are familiar with the
instructions, to operate the machine.
Clear the area of eb ects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc,
which could be picked up and thrown by the bade.
Be sure the area is etear of other people before mowing Stop
machine if anyone enters the area.
Never carry passengers
Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necassary_ Always
look down and behind before and while backing.
Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point
it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without either the
entire grass catcher or the guard in 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 Ioss-of-control and tipover
accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. Atl slopes
require extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel
uneasy ee it, do not mow it.
DO:
Mow up and down slopes, not across_
Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overturn the machine Tall grass can hide obstacles.
Use slow speed_ Choose a low gear so that you will not have
to stop or shift white 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 slowand gradual Do not
make sudden changes in speed or direction
Avoid starting or stopping ee a slope. If tires lose traction,
disengage the blades arrd proceed slowly straight down the
slope
DO NOT:
Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly
and gradually downhill, if possib{e_
Do not mow near drop-errs, 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 tryto stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the
ground_
Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes
III, CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of chitdren Children are often attracted to the machine
and the mowing activity. Neverassume that children will remain
where you last saw them
Keep 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 small
children_
Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously
njured or nterfere with safe mach ne operation.
Never allow children to operate the machiae_
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 other fuels. They are
flammable 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 fuel container inside where
there is an open flame, such as a water heater.
Never run a machine inside a closed area.
Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight
and keep equipment in good condition.
Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.
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 running.
Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage, and
deterioration, which could expcae moving parts or allow
objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and
replace with manufacturer's recommended parts, when nec-
essary
Mower blades are sharp and can cuL Wrap the blade(s) or'
wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.
Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as
required.
Look for this symbol to point out Impor-
tant safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!f BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
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.
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