Craftsman 917.28955 Operator's Manual page 3

_DANGER: 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.
_WARNING: in order to prevent acciden-
tal starting when setting up, transporting,
adjusting or making repairs, always discon-
nect spark plug wire and place wire where
it cannot contact spark plug.
_WARNING: 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 to the State
of California to cause cancer and 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.
• Do 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°
• Clear the 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.
o Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely
necessary. Always look down and behind
before and while backing.
• Never direct discharged material toward
anyone. Avoid discharging material
against a wall or obstruction. Material may
ricochet back toward the operator. Stop the
blades when crossing gravel surfaces.
° Do not operate machine without the entire
grass catcher, discharge guard, 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 protection when operat-
ing machine.
, Data indicates that operators, age 60
years and above, are involved in a large
percentage of riding mower*related inju-
des° These operators should evaluate
their ability to operate the riding mower
safely enough to protect themselves and
others from serious injury.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommen-
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 fuel
spillage before operating or storing the
machine. Allow machine to cool before
storage.
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