Craftsman 917.28033 Operator's Manual page 3

l!l _ t !HI
_DANGER: This cutting machine is capable of ampLItating hands and feet and
throwing objects. Failure to observe the fol!owing safety ,instructions could result
in serious injury or death.
_WARNING: In order to prevent accidental
starting when setting up, transporting, adjust-
ing or making repairs, always disconnect
spark plug wire and place wire where it
cannot contact spark plug.
_WARN1NG: Do not coast down a hill in
neutral, you may lose control of the tractor. "
_WARNING: Tow only the attachments
that are recommended by and comply with ,
specifications of the manufacturer of your ,
tractor. Use common sense when towing. :
Operate only at the lowest possible speed
when on a slope_ Too heavy of a load, while
on a slope, is dangerous° Tires can lose ,
traction with the ground and cause you to
lose control of your tractor.
,_WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its
constituents, and certain vehicle components
contain or emit chemicals known tothe State •
ofCaliforniatocause cancerand birth defects ,
or other reproductive harm.
_WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories contain lead and lead °
compounds, chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth defects "
or other reproductive harm. Wash hands
after handling.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
, Read, understand, and follow all instruc-
tions on the machine and in the manual
before starting.
• De not put hands or feet near rotating !
parts or under the machine. Keep clear
of the discharge opening at all times.
, Only allow responsible adults, who are °
familiar with the instructions, to operate
the machine°
, Clearthe area of objects such as rocks, '
toys, wire, etc., which could be picked
up and thrown by the blades
, Be sure the area is clear of bystanders
before operating. 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°
INever dire_tldischaroed material toward
!anyone. /_oid discharging material
tagainst a _iall or obstruction_ Material
Imay ricochet back toward the operator.
!Stop the'i_lades when crossing gravel
i surfaces., i !i!
Do not operate machine without the entire
grass catcher, or other safety devices in
place and working°
Slow down before turning°
Never leave a running machine unat-
tended. Always turn off blades, set park-
ing brake, stop engine, and remove keys
before dismounting.
Disengage blades when not mowing.
Shut off engine and wait for all parts to
come to a complete stop before cleaning
the machine, removing the grass catcher,
or unclogging the discharge guard.
Operate machine only in daylight or good
artificial light,.
Do not operate the machine while under
the influence of alcohol 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.
Always wear eye p rotectio n when o perat-
ing machine:
Data indicates that operators, age 60
years and above, are involved in a large
percentag e of riding mower - related in-
juries, These operators should evaluate
!their abilitytto operate the riding mower
safely enough to protect themselves and
others from serious injury,
Follow the manufacturer's recommem
dation for wheel weights or counter-
weights.
Keep machine free of grass , leaves
or other debris build - up which can
touch hot exhaust / engine parts and
burn. Do not allow the mower to plow
leaves or other debris which can cause
build - up to occur, Clean any oil or fue!
spillage before operating or storing the
machine. Allow machine to cool before
storage,
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