Craftsman 917.273396 Owner's Manual page 5

o Be sure the area is clear of other people
before mowing.Stop machineif anyone
enters the area.
o Nevercarry passengersor children
evenwith the bladesoff.
o Do not mow in reverseunless absom
lutely necessary.Always lookdown and
behind beforeandwhile backing.
o Nevercarry children.They may fall off
and be seriously injuredor interferewith
safe machineoperation.
o Keepchildrenout of the mowingarea
and underthe watchfulcare of another
responsibleadult.
o Be alert and turn machineoff if children
enter the area.
o Beforeand when backing, look behind
and down for smallchildren.
o Mow up and down slopes (15° Max), not
across.
o Removeobstacles such as rocks,tree
limbs,etc.
o Watchfor holes,ruts, or bumps.Uneven
terrain could overturnthe machine.Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
o Use slow speed.Choosea low gear
so that you will not haveto stop or shift
while on the slope.
o Avoid startingor stoppingon a slope. If
tires losetraction, disengagethe blades
and proceedslowly straightdown the
slope.
o If machinestops while going uphill,
disengage blades,shift into reverseand
backdown slowly.
o Do not turn on slopes unless necessary,
andthen, turn slowlyand gradually
downhill,if possible.