Spark Arrester; Safety Rules - Craftsman 917.254550 Owner's Manual

SAFETY RULES
I Know the controls and how to stop quickly READ THiS
OPERA TOR'S MANUAL end instructions furnished with
attachments_
2 Do not allow children to operate the machine. Do not allow
adults to operate it without proper instruction.
3. Oo not carry passengers, Do not mow when children and
others are eround_
4 Always wear substantial footwear. Do not wear loose fit-
ting clothing that could get caught in moving parts.
5 _ Keep your eyes and mind on your tractor, mower and the
area being cut. Do not let other interests distract you,
6_ Do not attempt to operate your tractor or mower when
not in the drivers seat_
7 Always get on or off your tractor from the operator's left
hand side.
8_ Clear the work area of objects (wire, rocks, etc,) which
might be picked up and thrown.
9 Disengage all attachment clutches before attempting to
start the engine_
100 Disengage power to attachments and stop the engine
before leaving the operator's position.
I 1 _ Disengage power to mower, stop the engine and discon-
nect spark plug wire{s) from spark plug(s) before clean-
ing, making an adjustment or repair_ Be careful to avoid
touching hot muffler or engine components,
12_ Disengage power to attachments when transporting or not
in use
13 Take all possible precautions when leaving the vehicle un-
attended. Disengage the power-take*off, lower the at-
tachments, shift into neutral, set the parking brake, stop
the engine and remove the key,
14 Do not stop or start suddenly when going, uphill or
downhill. Mow up and down the face of slopes (not
greater than 15 o); never across the face, Refer to page 47,
15 Reduce speed on slopes and make turns gradually to pre*
vent tipping or loss of control, Exercise extreme caution
when changing direction on slopes,
16_ While going up or down slopes, place Gear Shift Control
Lever in Ist gear position to negotiate the slope without
stopping,
17 Never mow in wet or slippery grass, when traction is un-
sure or at a speed which could cause a skid_
18. Stay alert for holes in the terrain and other hidden hazards,
Keep away from drop*offs,
19. Do not drive too close to creeks, ditches and pubfic
highways,
20_ Exercise special care when mowing around fixed objects
in order to prevent the blades from striking them Never
deliberately run tractor or mower into or over any foreign
objects
2 I Never shift gears until tractor comes to a step
22 Never place hands or feet under the mower, in discharge
chute or near any moving parts while tractor or mower
are running Always keep clear of discharge chute
23 Use care when pulling loads or using heavy equipment
a Use only approved drawbar hitch points,
b Limit loads to those you can safely control
c, Do not turn sharply. Use care when backing.
d Use counterweight or wheel weights when suggested
in the owner's manual
2 4 _ Watch out for traffic when crossing or near roadways.
25 When using any attachments, never direct discharge of
material toward bystanders nor allow anyone near the
vehicle while in operation
26 Handle gasoline with care - it is highly flammable.
a, Use approved gasoline containers
b. Never remove the fuel cap of the fuel tank or add
gasoline to a running or hot engine or an engine that
has not been allowed to cool for several minutes after
running_ Never fill tank indoors, always clean up spill-
ed gasoline.
c, Open doors if the engine is run in the garage - exhaust
fumes are dangerous, Do not run the engine indoors,
27_ Keep the vehicle and attachments in good operating con-
dition, and keep safety devices in place and working,
28_ Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the equip-
ment is in safe working condition.
2 9_ Never store the equipment with gasoline in the tank in-
side a building where fumes may reach an open flame or
spark. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any
enclosure.,
3 O. To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free of grass, leaves
or excessive grease_ Do not clean product while engine
is running.
31 _ Except for adjustments; DO NOT operate Engine if ah
cleaner or cover directly over carburetor air intake is
removed, Removal of such part could create a fire hazard.
32. Do not operate without a muffler or tamper with exhaust
system. Damaged mufflers or spark arresters could create
a fire hazard, Inspect periodically and replace ff necessary.
33 The vehicle and attachments should be stopped and in-
spected for damage after striking a foreign object and the
damage should be repaired before restarting and operating
the equipment,
34. Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed
the engine; severe damage or injury may result.
35 When using the vehicle with mower, proceed as follows;
a, Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
b Shut the engine off when unclogging chute.
c Check the blade mounting bolts for proper tightness
at frequent Jntervais
36_ Do not operate the mower without the deflector shield in
place_
37 Disengage power to mower before backing up, Do not
mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary and then on-
ly after careful observation of the entire area behind the
mower_
38 Under normal usage the grass catcher bag material is sub-
ject to deterioration and wear It should be checked fre-
quently for bag replacement Replacement bags should
be checked to ensure compliance with the original
manufacturer's recommendations or specifications
LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL TO POINT OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
IT MEANS--A_iq-ENTION. BECOME ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED,
CAUTION: LOOK FOR THIS WORD TO POINT OUT IMPORTANT EQUIPMENT PRECAUTIONS,
THIS UNIT IS EQUIPPED WITH AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE AND SHOULD NOT BE USED
ON OR NEAR ANY UNIMPROVED FOREST COVERED, BRUSH COVERED, OR GRASS COVERED
LAND UNLESS THE ENGINE'S EXHAUST SYSTEM IS EQUIPPED WITH A SPARK ARRESTER MEET-
ING APPLICABLE LOCAL OR STATE LAWS (IF ANY)_ IF A SPARK ARRESTER IS USED. IT SHOULD
BE MAINTAINED IN EFFECTIVE WORKING ORDER BY THE OPERATOR.
In the State ofCafifornia the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code),
Other states may have similiar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands, Refer to the Repair Parts Section,
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