Safety Rules; General Operation; Slope Operation; Children - Craftsman 3One 917.255440 Owner's Manual

SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
IMPO RTANT: TH IS CUTTIN G MAC HIN E IS CAPABLE O FA MP UTATI NG HAN DS AN D FEET AN D TH ROWING OBJECTS.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJU RY OR DEATH.
! 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
instructions, 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.
, Be sure the area isclear of other people before mowing. Stop
machine if anyone enters the area.
° Never carry passengers.
• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always
look down and behind before and while backing.
• Be awar_of the mower discharge direction and do not point
it at anyone. Do not operate the mowe[.wthout either the
entire grass catcher orthe 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.
• TLa'n off blades when not mowing.
; Stopengine b#fore removing grass catcher or unclogg_hg
chute,
• ' _W oMO oniyin daylight orgood artificial4ig_t. '
• Do not operate the machin e white Under the influence of
. _ alCel_01or drugs. : -
._ _W_tch fortraffiC when operatihg nea,r o¢_rossing roadways.
• : Use extra care when loading.o€ unloading the machine into
•a_a!le.r or tr(__,_.
II. SLOPE oPERATIONZ
Slopes _.re .a major factor related to loss-of-centre! and t=pover
accidents, which can respltjr_ severe injury or death. All slopes
require extra caution. Ify0u cannot backup the slope orifyou feel
uneasy on it, _o not mow it. ....
DO:
• Mow up_anu uovyp_pes, nor across.
• Remove obstaC!_s such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
• Watch for boles, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overturnth_,machine. Tall grass can hide obstacleg; :.-
• Use slowspeed. Choosea Iowgear so that you will nct have
to stop or shi_ while on the slope.
• Follow the roanufacturer's recommendations for._'_ne_l
weights or counterweights to improve stability. ..,
• Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments.
These can change the stability of the machine.
• Keepallmovementontheslopess/owandgradual. Donot
make sudden changes in speed or direction.
• Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction,
disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the
slope.
DO NOT:
• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly
and gradually downhill, if possible.
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments• The
mower could suddenly tum 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.
• Donot try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the
ground.
• Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes•
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. Neverassume that children will remain
where you last saw them.
• Keep children out ofthe 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
injured or interfere with safe machine operation.
= Never allow_childrent_ operate the machine.. •
• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, s_ubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
IV. SERVICE
• Use extra care inhandling gasoline and other fuels _hey are
flammable and vapors are explosive.
Use on!y an approved container.
Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allow engine _o cool before refueling. DO n0!
smoke. ..
Never refuel the machine indoors.
Never store_the machine or fuel conta_iner inside where
• t[te_ i_ an Open flame such as a water heat_,.
• Never _ru#a machin_ inside a closed area,
• Keep huts and boffs, especially blade attachment belts,.tight
._ . and keep equipment in good €ondition_._
• NeVer tamper with safety device_. ' Check their propel"
oper_t on regularly.. : ......
_,, KeepmachinefreeOfgrass leaves 0rotherdebrisbuild-up.
Clean oil or fuel spjl!_ge. Allow machine to cool before
storing. , _"
• Stop and inspect the °_quipment if you strike an object.
Repair, f necessary, before r_ta_ing.
• Ne_,er make adjustmpnts or rePair_ with the engine running.
• Grass catcher componen:ts°are subject to wear, damage and
deterioration, which ¢o_ldexpose moving parts or allow
objects to be thrown.. Frequently check components and
replace with manufacturer's recommended parts, when nec-
essary.
• Mower blades are sha_p_can cut. 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!!! 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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