Safety Rules; General Operation - Craftsman 917.273621 Owner's Manual

IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throw-
ing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious
injury or death.
_IWARNING: In order to prevent
accidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making repairs,
always disconnect 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.
_I, WARNING: Tow only the attach-
ments that are recommended by and
comply with specifications of the man-
ufacturer 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 repro-
ductive harm.
_IbWARNING: 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
instructions 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 bystand-
ers before operating. 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.
• 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 cross-
ing 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
unattended. Always turn off blades,
set parking 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 clean-
ing 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 unload-
ing the machine into a trailer or truck.
• Always wear eye protection when oper-
ating machine.
• 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
injury.
• Followthe 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 deck 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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