Safe Operation - Craftsman 27710 Instruction Manual

1. Safety Rules
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
IMPORTANT: THIS CUTFING 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
Readtheinstructions c arefully.Befamiliarwiththecontrols
and the properuse of the equipment.
• Neverallow childrenor people unfamiliarwith the instruc-
tionstousethelawnmower.Localregulations may restrict
the age of the operator.
• Never mow whilepeople,especiallychildren,or petsare
nearby.
• Keep in mindthat the operatoror user is responsible for
accidentsor hazards oscurringto other people or their
property.
• Do not carry passengers.
Alldriversshouldseek and obtainprofessional a nd prac-
tical instruction.Such instruction shouldemphasize:
- the need for care and concentrationwhen working
with dde-on machines;
- controlof a ride-on machinesliding on a slopewill
not be regainedby the applicationof the brake.
The main reasonsfor lossof controlare:
a) insufficient w heel grip;
b) being ddventoo fast;
c) inadequatebraking;
d) the type of machineis unsuitablefor itstask;
e) lack of awareness of the effect of ground
conditions,especially s lopes;
f) incorrecthitchingand loaddistribution.
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..Preparation
• While mowing, always wear substantial footwear and long
trousers. Do not operate the equipment when barefoot
or wearing open sandals.
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to
be usedand remove all objects which may be thrown by
the machine.
• WARNING - Petrol is highly flammable.
- 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 while the 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 spglage
and avoid creating any source of ignition until petrel
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 cutter assembly are not worn or
damaged. Replace worn or damaged blades and bolts
in sets to preserve balance.
On multi-bladed machines, take care as rotating one blade
can cause other blades to rotate.
IlL Operation
Do not operate the engine in a confined space where
dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collecL
Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
Before attempting to start the engine, disengage all blade
attachment clutches and shift into neutral.
Do not uee on slapes of more than 10° .
Remember there is no such thing as a "safe"slope. Travel
on grass slopes requiresparticular care. To guard against
overturning;
- do not stop or start suddenly when going up or down-
hill;
- engage clutch slowly, always keep machine in gear,
especially when traveling oownhill;
- 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 pulling loads or using heavy equipment.
- Use only approved drawber 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 trafficwhen 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 bystanders nor allow anyone near the
machine while in operation.
Never operate the lawnrncwar with defective guards,
shields or without safety protective devices in place.
Do notchange the engine governor settings or overspeed
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 stdking 2 foreign ob ect. Inspect the lawnmower
for damage and make repa rs before restarting
operating the equipment;
- if the machine starts to vibrate abnormally (check
immediately).
Disengage drive to attachments when transporting or not
in use.
Stop the engine and disengage drive to attachment
- before refueling;
before removing the grass catcher;
- before making height ad_t_d _es_adjustmant
can be made from the ol_rator's position.
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