Safety Rules - Craftsman 536.252570 Owner's Manual

............................ SAFETY RULES ............................................................
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Sate Operation Practices for Riding Vehicles As Recommended by American National Standards Institute
WARNING: 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 to the operator or bystanders
GENERAL OPERATION:
1. Read, understand and follow all instructions in the Owner'stOperator's Manual, on the machine, the engine and with any
attachments before starting,
2, Only allow responsible adults familiar with the instructions to operate the machine
3 Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc, which could be picked up and thrown by the blade
4 Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing Stop the machine if anyone enters the area
5 Never carry passengers.
6, Disengagepowertothemoweroranyattachmentsbeferebackingup. Do not mow in reverse untess absolutely neces_ary Aiways
look down and behind before and while backing
7, Be aware of the direction the mower discharges Do not point discharge from the mower at anyone or at places where people may
be, Do not operate the mower without either the entire grass bagger or the mower guard in-place
8, Slow down before turning.
9, Never leave a machine unattended with the engine running Aiways disengage the blade(s), set the parking brake, stop the engine
and remove the key before dismounting
10. Disengage power to attachment(s) when transporting or not in use Disengage the btade(s) when not mowing
11.. Stop the engine before removing the grass bagger or unclogging the chute
12 Mow only in daylight or good artificial light
I3, Do not operate the machine whife under the influence of alcohol or drugs or when very tired
14 Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways
15, Use extra caution when tending or unloading the machine when using a trailer or truck for transporting
16, Disengage all attachment clutches and shift into Neulraf before attempting to start the engine (on gear drive models)
17 Disengage all attachment ciutches betore attempting to start the engine (on hydro modefs)
18 Always wear safety glasses or an eye shield when you operate the unit to protect your eyes from foreign objecls that can be thrown
from the unit Atways wear eye protection when you make an a_djustment or repair to the machine
19 Use care when p ull!ng Ioads or using heavy equipment
a Use only approved drawbar hitch points
b Limit loads to those you can safely control.
c Do not turn sharply Use care when backing
d, Use counterweights when suggested in the Owner's/Operator's Manuai
SLOPE OPERATION:
Slopes and rough terrain are major lactors related to loss of control and tip over 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 the slope, do not mow
it. See the "Slope Guide" in the back of this book to check for safe operation.
DO
1 Mow up and down slopes, not across
2.. Remove obstacles such as rocks, limbs, etc
3 Watch for hates, ruts or bumps Uneven terrain could overturn the machine "Tall grass can hide obstacles"
4 Use stow speed. Choose a low enough gear so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope Ion gear crave models)
5 Use slow speed on slopes Do not make sudden speed changes, (on hydro models) .......
6. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel weights or counterweights to improve stability
7, Use extra care with grass baggers or other attachments, they can change the stability of the machine
8. Keep ali movement on the slopes slow and gradual Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction
9 Avoid starting or stopping on a slope If tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down ;he slope