Craftsman 917.387561 Owner's Manual page 3

L GENERAL OPERATION
o Read, understand,and follow all
instructionson the machineand in the
manual(s)beforestarting. Be thoroughly
familiarwith the controlsand the proper
use of the machinebeforestarting.
o Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotating parts.Keepclearof the dis-
charge opening at all times.
o Only allow responsibleindividuals,who
are familiar with the instructions,to oper-
ate the machine.
o Clear the area of objects such as rocks,
toys,wire, bones,sticks,etc.,which could
be picked up and thrown by the blade.
o Be sure the area is clear of other people
before mowing.Stop machineif anyone
enters the area.
o Do not operatethe mowerwhen bare-
foot or wearingopen sandals.Always
wear substantialfoot wear.
o Do not pull mower backwardsunless ab-
solutelynecessary. A lwayslookdown and
behindbefore&while movingbackwards.
o Do not operatethe mowerwithout
proper guards,plates, grass catcheror
other safety protectivedevices in place.
o See manufacturer'sinstructionsfor
proper operationand installationof
accessories.Only use accessoriesap-
proved by the manufacturer.
o Stop the blade(s)when crossing gravel
drives,walks, or roads.
o Stop the engine(motor)wheneveryou
leave the equipment,beforecleaningthe
moweror uncloggingthe chute.
o Shut the engine(motor) off and wait until
the blade comes to complete stop before
removinggrass catcher.
o Mowonly indaylightor good artificial light,
o Do not operatethe machinewhile under
the influenceof alcohol or drugs.
o Never operate machine in wet grass,
Alwaysbe sureof yourfooting:keepa firm
hold on the handleand walk; neverrun.
o Disengagethe self-propelledmechanism
or drive clutch on mowers so equipped
beforestarting the engine (motor),
o If the equipmentshould start to vibrate
abnormally,stop the engine (motor)and
check immediatelyfor the cause.Vibra-
tion is generallya warning of trouble.
o Alwayswearsafetygogglesor safetyglass-
eswithsideshieldswhenoperatingmower,
H.SLOPE OPERATmON
Slopesare a majorfactorrelatedto slip and
fallaccidentswhichcanresultinsevereinjury.
All slopes require extra caution. If you feel
uneasyon a slope,do not mow it.
DO:
o Mow acrossthe face of slopes:never
up and down.Exerciseextremecaution
when changingdirection on slopes.
o Removeobstaclessuch as rocks,tree
limbs, etc.
o Watchfor holes,ruts, or bumps.
Tall grass can hide obstacles.
DO NOT:
o Do not trim neardrop-offs, ditchesor
embankments. T he operator could lose
footingor balance.
o Do not trim excessivelysteep slopes.
o Do not mowon wet grass.
Reducedfooting could cause slipping.
HL CHILDREN
Tragicaccidentscan occur if the operator
is not alert to the presenceof children.
Children are often attractedto the machine
and the mowingactivity.
Never assume
that children will remain where you last
saw them.
o Keep children out of the trimming area
and under the watchful care of another
responsible adult.
o Be alert and turn machine off if children
enter the area.
o Before and while walking backwards,
look behind and down for small children.
o Never allow children to operate machine.
o Use extra care when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects
that may obscure vision.
inV.SERVmCE
o 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,
o Never run a machine inside a closed area,
o Never make adjustments or repairs with
the engine (motor) running. Disconnect
the spark plug wire, and keep wire away
from plug to prevent accidental starting,
o Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade
attachment bolts, tight and keep equip-
merit in good condition,
o Never tamper with safety devices,
Check their proper operation regularly.
o Keep machine free ofgrass, leaves, orother
debris build-up, Clean oil or fuel spillage,
Allow machine to cool before storing,