Safety Rules; General Operation; Children; Slope Operation - Craftsman EZ3 944.609810 Owner's Manual

SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
IMPORTANT: THIS CU'I-rlNG 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 followall instructions in the manual
and on the machine beforestarting.
Only allow responsibleadults, who are familiar with the
instructions, t o operatethe machine.
Clear the area of objectssuch as rocks,toys, wire, etc.,
whichcouldbe picked up and thrownby the blade.
• Besurethe areaisclearofotherpeoplebeforemowing.Stop
machineif anyone enters the area.
Never cany passengers.
Do notmowin reverseunlessabsolutely necessary.Always
lookdownand behindbeforeand whilebacking.
• Be aware ofthe mowerdischargedirection and do notpoint
it at anyone. Do not operate the mowerwithouteitherthe
entiregrass catcheror the guard in place.
Slow downbeforeturning.
• Never leavea runningmachineunattended. Alwaystum off
blades, set parkingbrake, stop engine, and remove keys
beforedismounting.
• Turn off blades when not mowing.
Stop engine before removinggrass catcher or unclogging
chute.
• Mow onlyin daylightor good artificiallight.
• Do not operate the machinewhile under the influenceof
alcoholor drugs,
Watch fortrafficwhen operatingnear or crossingroadways.
Use extracare when loadingor unloading the machineinto
a trailer or truck.
IL 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 ifyou feel
uneasy on it, do not mow it.
DO:
Mow up and down elopes, 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 recom_nandations 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 movement on the slopes slowand 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 straightdown the
slope.
DO NOT:
• Donotturnonslopesunlessnocessary, andthen, tumslowly
and gradually downhill, if 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 cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.
Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause
sliding.
• Donottrytostabilizethemachinebyputtingyourfootonthe
ground.
• Do not t4segrass catcher on steep slopes.
2
IlL CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine
and the mowing activity. Neverassume 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 seriously
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 extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They are
flammable and vapors are explosive.
Use only an approved container.
Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do 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, especiatly blade attachment bolts, tight
and keep equipment in good condition.
Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regulady.
Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up.
Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool before
storing.
• Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object.
Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running,
Grass catcher components are subject towear, damage, and
deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow
objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and
replace with manufacturer's recommended pads, 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 frequently. Adjust and service as
required.
I & Look for this symbol to point out impor- I
tant safety precautions. It means
CAUTIONiH BECOME ALERT!i! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
&
CAUTION: Always disconnect spark
plug wire and place wire where it cannot
contact spark plug in order to prevent
accidental startin|l when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making
repairs.