Craftsman 917.378761 Owner's Manual page 3

L GENERAL OPERATmON
o Read, understand,and follow all
instructionson the machineand in the
manual(s)beforestarting. Be thoroughly
familiarwith the controlsand the proper
use of the machinebeforestarting.
o Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotating parts.Keepclearof the dis-
charge opening at all times.
o Only allow responsibleindividuals,who
are familiar with the instructions,to oper-
ate the machine.
o Clear the areaof objectssuch as rocks,
toys,wire, bones,sticks, etc., which
could be pickedup and thrown by blade.
o Be sure the area is clear of other people
before mowing.Stop machineif anyone
enters the area.
o Do not operatethe mowerwhen bare-
foot or wearingopen sandals.Always
wear substantialfoot wear.
o Do not pull mowerbackwardsunless
absolutelynecessary.Alwayslook down
and behindbeforeandwhile moving
backwards.
o Neverdirect dischargedmaterial toward
anyone. Avoiddischargingmaterial
against a wall or obstruction. Material
may richochetback towardthe opera-
tor. Stop the bladewhen crossinggravel
surfaces.
o Do not operatethe mowerwithout
proper guards, plates,grass catcheror
other safety protectivedevices in place.
o See manufacturer'sinstructionsfor
proper operationand installationof
accessories.Only use accessoriesap-
proved by the manufacturer.
o Stop the blade(s)when crossing gravel
drives,walks, or roads.
o Stop the engine(motor)wheneveryou
leave the equipment,beforecleaningthe
moweror uncloggingthe chute.
o Shut the engine(motor) off and wait until
the blade comes to complete stop before
removinggrass catcher.
o Mow only in daylightor good artificial
light.
o Do not operatethe machinewhile under
the influenceof alcohol or drugs.
o Neveroperate machinein wet grass.
Alwaysbe sure of your footing:keepa
firm hold on the handle;walk, neverrun.
o Disengagethe self-propelledmech-
anism or drive clutch on mowersso
equipped beforestarting the engine.
o If the equipmentshould start to vibrate
abnormally,stop the engine (motor)and
check immediatelyfor the cause.Vibra-
tion is generallya warning of trouble.
o Alwayswear safetygogglesor safety
glasses with side shieldswhen operating
mower.
H.SLOPE OPERATmON
Slopes are a majorfactor relatedto slip &
fall accidentswhich can result in severein-
jury. All slopes requireextra caution.If you
feel uneasyon a slope,do not mow it.
DO:
o Mow acrossthe face of slopes:never
up and down.Exerciseextremecaution
when changingdirection on slopes.
o Removeobstaclessuch as rocks,tree
limbs, etc.
o Watchfor holes,ruts, or bumps.Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
DO NOT:
o Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or
embankments. The operator could lose
footing or balance.
o Do not trim excessively steep slopes.
o Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced foot-
ing could cause slipping.
HI. 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. Never assume
that children will remain where you last
saw them.
o Keep children out of the trimming area
and under the watchful care of another
responsible adult.
o Be alert and turn machine off if children
enter the area.
o Before and while walking backwards,
look behind and down for small children.
o Never allow children to operate the ma-
chine.
o Use extra care when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects
that may obscure vision.
inV.SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE
Use extreme care in handling gasoline.
Gasoline is extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive.
o Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes
and other sources of ignition.
o Use only an approved container.
o Never remove gas cap or add fuel with
the engine running. Allow engine to cool
before refueling.
o Never refuel the machine indoors.
o Never store the machine or fuel contain-
er where there is an open flame, spark
or pilot light such as a water heater or on
other appliances.