Safety Rules - Craftsman 917.250261 Owner's Manual

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 instructions in the manual
and on the machine before starting
- Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the
instructLons, 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 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 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 turnir!g
• Never leave a rurrntng machirje un_ttende.d Always turn off
blades, set park.ing brake, s!op engLne,, and remove keys
before dismountin_
• Turn off blades when n6t mo;,,,4ng
Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging
chute
• Mow only in daylight or good artificial lighL
• Do not operate the machine while under the influence of
alcoho_ or drugs_
Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways
• Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into
a trailer or truck.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tipover
accidents, which can result in severe injury or death All slopes
require extra caution If 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 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 mqvement on the slopes slowand gradual Do not
make sudden changes in speed or direction' "
• - ,_vo:_ stb,_ting c;r stap"p3llg-on ;a slop'e:, It tires lose trb.cti6h, " '.-
• ".._lane-- .'..- ....... . -- =- -.- ...... ...
boN6"r: - ." ' ' - : .... . -':
•
Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turnslgwl_,:
and gradually downhill, if possible
• Do not mow.near drop-errs, 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 tryto stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the
ground
• Do riot use grass catcher on steep slopes
III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children Children a_eoften attracted to the machine
and the mowing activity. Never assume that children will remain
where you last saw them
• Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful
care of another responsible adult
• Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area
Before and when backing, look behind and down for small
children
• Never carry children They may fall off and be seriousEy
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 ektra care m handling g&s611nband other-fuels 1:hey are
flammable and vapors are explosive
Use only an approved container
Never remove gas cap or add fuel w=th the engine
running Allow engine to cool before refueling I3o 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
• Never run a machine inside a closed area
• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight
and keep equipment in good corrdition
Never tamper with safety devices Check their proper
operation regularly
• Keep machine free of grass, [eaves, or other debris build-up
Clean oil or fueI spillage Allow machine to cool before
storing
• Stop and inspect the equipment if you stdke an object
Repair, if necessary, before restarting
• Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running
• Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage, and
deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow
objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and
replace with manufacturer's recommended parts, when nec-
essary
• Mower blades are sharp and can cut Wrap the blade(s) or
wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them
Check brake operation frequentfy Adjust and service as
required
CAUTION: Always disconnect spark
plug wire and place wire where it cannot
contact spark plug in order to prevent
accidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making
repairs.