General Operation - Craftsman 917.271823 Owner's Manual

IMPORTANT: This cuttng mach nes capab e of amputating hands and feet and
throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructionscould result in
sedous injury or death.
I. GENERAL OPERATION I1. SLOPE 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 rooks,
toys, wire, etc., which could be picked
up and thrown by the blade.
• Be sure the area is clear of other people
belore mowing. Stop manNne if anyone
enters the area.
• Never carry .pa_engers.
• Do not mow in reverse unless abso-
lutely necessary. 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 unat-
tended. 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 unload-
ing the machine into a trailer or truck.
• Data indicates that operators, age 60
years and above, are involved in a large
pementage of doing mower-related
injuries. These operatorS should
evaluate their ability to operate the dding
mower safely enough to protect them-
selves and others from serious injury.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves or
other debris build-upwhich can touch
hot exhaust / engine parts and I_Jm. Do
not allew the mower deck to plow leaves
or other debris which can cause build-up
1ooccur. Clean any d_lor fuel
spillage before operating or stodng the
machine. Allow machine to cool before
storage.
Slopes are a major factor related to Ioss-
ot-contro| and tipover accidents, which
can result in severe injury or death. All
slopes require extra caution. It you
cannot back up the slope or if you feel
uneasy on it, do not maw 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 shiff
while on the slope.
Follow the manufacturer's recommen-
detians 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 dirsctlen.
Avoid staffing or stopping on a slope. It
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 downhii|, if possible.
• Do not mow near dmp-offs, 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 notmow on wet grass. Reduced
traction could cause sliding.
• Do not try to stabilize the machine by
putting your foot on the ground.
• Do notuse grass catcher on steep
slopes.