Craftsman EZ3 917.258691 Owner's Manual page 2

SAFETY RULES
_hb Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT tN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
I, 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 is clear of other people before mowing.. Step
machine if anyone enters the area.
• Never carry passengers.
• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary Always
look down and behind belore 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 adificiai 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 loss-of-control and
tipover accidents, which ca n result in severe injury or death.
A{i slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back up the
slope or if you feel uneasy on 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 machiner Tatl grass can hide obstac/es_
• Use slow speed Choose a low gear so that you witl not have
to slop or shift whi[e on the slope.
• FoLtow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel
weights or counterweights to improve siabillty
• Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments..
These can change the stability of the machine.
• Keep ai! movement on the slopes slow and gradual Do not
make sudden changes in speed or direction.
• Avoid starting or stopping on a slope_ It tires lose traction,
disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the
sfope.
DO NOT:
• Donotturnonslopesunlessnecessary, andthen,tumslowty
and gradually downhill, if possible.
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments The
mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge
of a clil{ or ditch, or il an edge caves in
• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction coutd cause
sliding
• Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the
ground_
• Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.
2
III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of childreno Children are often attracted to the
machine and the mowing activity Never assume that
children will remain where you last saw them.
° Keep chitdren out of the mowing area and under the watcllIul
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 fail off and be serlous[y
injured or interfere with sate machine operation
. Never allow children to operate the machine
• Use extra care when approaching btind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
A
H IHHH,,HI,I
lYe 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
lunning. Atlow engine to cool before relueling Do not
smoke
Never refue_ the machine indoors
Never store the machine or fuel container inside where
there is an open flame, such as a water heater.
o 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 reguJariy.
• 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 repa[|s with the engine running
• Grass calchercomponents are subject to wear, damage, and
deterioration, which could expose moving pads or aliow
objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and
replace with manufacturer's recommended pads, when nec-
essary.
• Mower blades are sharp and can cut W_ap the blade(s) or
wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them
° Check brake operalion frequentlyo Adjust and service as
required.
Look for this symbol to point out im-
portant safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERTt!! 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.
WARNING A
The engine exhaust from this product con-
tains chemicals known to the State of Califor-
nia to cause cancer, birth defects, or other
reproductive harm.