Safety Rules; General Operation; Slope Operation - Craftsman 917.271842 Owner's Manual

IMPORTANT: This curt ng roach ne s capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructionscould result in
serious/njury or death.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all
instructionsin the manual and on the
machine before starting.
• Only allow responsible adults, who are
familiar with the instructions, t o operate
the machine.
• C_earthe 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. 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 aware of the mower discharge
directionand 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 trafficwhen operating near or
crossing roadways.
• Use extra care when loading or unload-
ing the machine into a traileror truck.
• Data indicates that operators, age 60
years and above, are involved_n a large
percentage of r;ding rnower-related
injuries. These operators should
evaluate their ability to operate the riding
mower safely enough to protect them-
selves and others from sedous injury.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves or
other debris build-upwhich can touch
hot exhaust / engine parts and bum. Do
not allow the mower deck to plow leaves
or other debris which can cause build-
up to occur. Clean any oil or fuel
spillage before operating or storing the
machine. Allow machine to cool before
storage.
II, SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-
control and tipover accidents, which can
result in severe in ury or death. Aft stopas
require extra caution, f 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
machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
• Use slow speed. Choose a low gear
so that you will not have to stop or shift
while on the slope.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommen-
dations for wheel weights or counter-
weights 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 slow
and gradual Do not 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 neces-
sary, and then, turn slowly and gradu-
ally downhill, if possible.
• Do not mow near drop-otis, ditches, or
embankments. The mower could
suddenly turn over if a wheel is over
the edge of a cliffor ditch, or if an edge
caves In.
• Donotmowonwetgrass. Reduced
traction could cause sliding.
• Do not try to stabilize the machine by
putting your foot on the ground.
• Do not use grass catcher on steep
slopes.
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