General Operation; Slope Operation - Craftsman EZ3 917.272220 Owner's Manual

17.5 hp electric start 42" mower automatic lawn tractor
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IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is ca-
pable of amputating
hands and feet and
throwing objects. Failure to observe the
following safety instructions
could result
in serious injury or death.
GENERAL
OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all in-
structions in 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 is clear of other
people before mowing. Stop machine if
anyone enters the area.
• Never carry passengers.
• Do not mow in reverse unless abso-
lutely necessary. Always look down
and behind before and while backing.
• Be aware of the mower discharge di-
rection and do not point it at anyone.
Do not operate the mower without ei-
ther the entire grass catcher or the
guard in place.
• Slow down before turning.
• Never leave a running machine unat-
tended. Always turn off blades, set
parking brake, stop engine, and re-
move 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 un-
der the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Watch for traffic when operating near or
crossing roadways.
• Use extra care when loading or un-
loading the machine into a trailer or
truck.
• Data indicates that operators, age 60
years and above, are involved in a
large percentage
of riding mower-re-
lated injuries. These operators should
evaluate their ability to operate the
riding mower safely enough to protect
themselves
and others from serious in-
jury.
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. Un-
even terrain could ovedurn the ma-
chine. 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
recommen-
dations for wheel weights or counter-
weights 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 slope. If
tires lose traction, disengage the
blades and proceed slowly straight
down the slope.
DO NOT:
• Do notturn
on slopes unless neces-
sary, and then, turn slowly and gradual-
ly downhill, if possible.
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or
embankments.
The mower could sud-
denly 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 nottry to stabilize the machine by
putting your foot on the ground.
• Do not use grass catcher on steep
slopes.
CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator
is not alert to the presence of children,
Children are often attracted to the ma-
chine and the mowing activity. Neveras-
sume that children will remain where you
last saw them.
3

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