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Craftsman 27743 Instruction Manual page 3

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1. Safety
Rules
&
Safe Operation
Practices for Ride-On Mowers
IMPORTANT:
THIS CU'I-RNG 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. Training
Read the instructions carefully.Befamiliar withthe controls
and the proper use of the equipment.
Never allow children or people unfamiliarwiththe instruc-
tions to use the tawnmower. Local regulationsmay restrict
the age of the operator.
Never mow while people, especially children,or pets are
nearby.
Keep in mind that the operator or user is responsiblefor
accidents or hazards occurring to other people or their
property.
Do not carry passengers.
All drivers should seek andobtain professionaland prac-
tical instruction. Such instructionshould emphasize:
- the need for care and concentration when working
with ride-on machines;
- control of a ride-on machine sliding on a slope will
not be regained by the application of the brake.
The main reasons for loss of control are:
a) insufficient wheel grip;
b) being driven too fast;
c) inadequate braking;
d) the type of machine is unsuitable for its task;
e) lack
of awareness
of the effect of ground
conditions,especially
slopes;
f) incorrect hitching and load distribution,
II.Preparation
While mowing, always wearsubstantialfootwearand long
trousers. Do not operate the equipment when barefoot
or wearing open sandals.
Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to
be used and remove all objects which may be thrown by
the machine.
WARNING - Petrol is highlyflammable.
Store fuel in containers specifically designed for this
purpose.
Refuel outdoors only and do not smoke while refu-
eling.
Add fuel before starting the engine. Never remove
the cap of the fuel tank or add petrol whilethe engine
is running or when the engine is hot.
If petrol is spilled, do not attempt to start the engine
but move the machine away from the area of spillage
and avoid creating any source of ignitionuntil petrol
vapors have dissipated.
-
Replace all fuel tanks and container caps securely.
Replace faulty silencers.
Before using, always visually inspect to see that the
blades, blade bolts and cutterassembly are not worn or
damaged.
Replace worn or damaged blades and bolts
in sets to preserve balance,
On multi-bladed machines, take care as rotstingone blade
can cause other blades to rotate.
III. Operation
Be not operate the engine in a confined space where
dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.
Mow only in daylight or in good artificial lighL
Before attempting to startthe engine, disengage all blade
attachment clutches and shift into neutral.
Be not use on slopes of more then 10 °.
Remember there is no suchthing as a "safe"slope. Travel
on grassslopesrequires particular care. To guard against
overturning;
- do not stop or start suddenly whea going up or down-
hill;
- engage clutch slowly, always keep machine in gear,
especially when travelingdownhill;
-
machine speeds should be kept low on slopes and
during tight turns;
- stay alert for humps and hollows and other hidden
hazards;
-
never mow across the face of the slope, unless the
lawnmower is designed for this purpose.
Use care when paging loads or using heavy equipment.
- Use only approved drawbar hitch points.
- limit loads to those you can safely control.
- Do not turn sharply. Use care when reversing.
-
Use counterweight(s)
or wheel weights when sug-
gested in the instruction handbook.
Watch out for traffic when crossing or near roadways.
Stop the blades from rotating before crossing surfaces
other than grass.
When using any attachments, never direct discharge of
material toward bystendors nor allow anyone near the
machine while in operation.
Never operate the iawnmower with defective guards,
shields or without safety protective devices in place.
Do not chan_e the engine gavernor settings or overapaed
the engine. Operating the engine at excessive speed may
increase the hazard of personal injury.
Before leaving the operator's position:
- disengage the power take-off and lower the attach*
ments;
- change into neutral and set the parking brake;
- stop the engine and remove the key.
Disengage drive to attachments, stop the engine, and
disconnect the spark plug wire(s) or remove the ignition
key
- before cleaning blockages or unclogging chute;
- before checking, cleaning or working on the lawn-
mower;
- after striking a foreign object. Inspect the lawnmower
for damage and make repairs before restarting and
operating the equipment;
- if the machine starts to vibrate abnormally (check
immediately).
Disengage drive to attachments when transporting or not
in use.
3

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