Craftsman EZ3 917.258671 Owner's Manual page 2

SAFETY RULES
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 IN SERIOUS iNJURY 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, 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 isclear 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 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 oil
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 lot traffic when operating near or crossing roadways
o Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into
a trailer or truck
II. SLOPE OPERATION
S_opes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and
tipover accidents, which can resutt in severe injury or
death, All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back
up the slope or if you feet 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. Taft grass can hide obstacles
• Use slow speed Choose a low gear so that you wilt not have
to stop or' shift while on the slope
• Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel
weights or counterweights 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 s!ope. If tires fose traction,
disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the
stope
DO NOT:
• Donottumonslopesunlessnecessary,andthenturnslowiy
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 cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in
• Do not mow on wet grass. 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 sleep stopes
III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children, Children are often attracted to the
machine and the mowing activity Never assume that
children wilt remain where you last saw them..
• Keep children out of the mowing area and under the walchful
care of another responsible adult
" Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area
• Before and when backing, look beh!,_d End down for sm&ll
children
• Never carry chiEdren. They may fall off and be seriously
injured or interfere with safe machine operation
,, Never allow children to operate the machine,
• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs ._
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
IV. SERVICE
• Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels They are
fFammable and vapors are explosive
Use only an approved container.
Never remove gas cap or add fue! with the engine
running. Allow engine to cool before refueling Do not
smoke
Never refuet the machine indoors
Never slore the machine or' fuel container inside where
there is an open flame, such as a water heater
• Never run a machine inside a closed area.
,, Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bo_ls fight
and keep equipment in good condition
• Never tamper with safely devices. Check their proper
operation regularly
° Keep machine free of grass, leaves, o_ other debris build-up
Clean oil or fuel spillage Allow machine to cool be!ore
storing
° Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an obiect
Repair, it necessary, before restarting
• Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine funning
• Grass catcher components are subiect to wear, damage, and
deterioration, which could expose moving parts or altow
objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and
replace with manufacturer's recommended parts when nec-
essary
• Mower blades are sharp and can cu_ Wrap the blade(st or
wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing Ihem
, Check brake operation frequently Adjust and service as
required.
Look for this symbol to point out important
safety precautions° It means
CAUTtON!!t BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
.............. ILLUIU,IUIUI I /Ul Jl,I I II _ : ==! i Jj I,I ,
CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug
wire and place wire where it can not co nt act
spark plug to prevent
in order
accidental
starting when setting up, transporting
adjusting or making repairs,
A WARNING
The engine exhaust from this product contains
chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer, birth defects, or other' reproduc-
tive harm.