Craftsman 917.272955 Owner's Manual page 3

MPORTANT: 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 aiI
instructionsin the manual and on the
machine before starting.
• Only allow responsibleadults, who are
familiar with the instructions,to operate
the machine.
• Clear the area of objects such as rooks,
toys, wire, etc., which couldbe picked
up and thrown by the blade.
• Be sure the area is clear of other paopte
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 tum 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 uncloggingchute.
• Mow only in daylight or good artificial
light.
• Do not operate the machine whits under
the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Watch for trefficwhen operating near or
crossing roadways.
• Use extra care when loading or unload-
ing the machine into a trailer or truck.
• Data indicatesthat operators, age 60
years and above, are involvedin a large
percentage of ridingmower-related
injuries. These operators should
evaluate their ability to operate the riding
mower safely enough to protect them-
serves and others from serious injury.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves or
other debris build-upwhich can touch
hot exhaust / engine parts and bern. DO
net allow the mower deck to prow leaves
or other debds 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 re-
sult in severe in ury or death. All slopes
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. Ta/I
grass can hide obstac/as.
• 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 recommenda-
tions for wheel weights or counter-
weights to improve stability.
• Use extra care with grass catchers or
other attachments. These can change
the stabilityof the machine.
• Keep all movement on the slopes slow
and gradual. Do not make sudden
changes in speed or direction.
• Avoidstarting or stoppingon a slope, if
tires lose traction, disengage the blades
and proceed slowly straightdown the
slope.
DO NOT:
• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary,
and then, turn slowly and gradually
downhill, it 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 cliffor ditch, or if an edge
caves in.
• Do eetmow on wet grass. Reduced
traction could cause sliding.
• Do not try to stabilize the machine by
puffing your foot on the ground.
• Do not use grass catcher on steep
slopes.