Safety Rules; General Operation; Slope Operation - Craftsman EZ3 917.273070 Owner's Manual

MPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety nstruct ons could resu t in
serious injury or death.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all
instructions in the manual and on the
machine before starting.
• 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 blade.
• Be sure the area is clear of other
people before mowing. 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.
• Be aware of the mower discharge
direction and do not point it at anyone.
Do not operate the mower without
either the entire grass catcher or the
guard in place.
• Slow down before turning.
• Never leave a running machine
unattended. Always turn off blades, set
parking brake, stop engine, and
remove keys before dismounting.
• Turn off blades when not mowing.
• Stop engine before removing grass
catcher or unclogging chute.
• Mow 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
unloading the machine into a trailer or
truck.
• Data indicates that operators, age 60
years and above, are involved in a
large percentage of riding mower-
related injuries. These operators
should evaluate their ability to operate
the riding mower safely enough to
protect themselves and others from
serious iniury.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to Io=
control and tipover accidents, whict"
result in severe injury or death. All s
require extra caution. If you cannot ba
the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, c
mow it.
DO:
• Mow up and down slopes, not acr(
• Remove obstacles such as rocks,
limbs, etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps.
Uneven terrain could overturn the
machine. Tall grass can hide ob-
stacles.
• Use slow speed. Choose a low g_
so that you will not have to stop or
while on the slope.
• FoUow the manufacturer's recomn
dations for wheel weights or counl
weights to improve stability.
• Use extra care with grass catcher.=
other attachments. These can ch_.
the stability of the machine.
• Keep all movement on the slopes,
and gradual. Do not make sudden
changes in speed or direction.
• Avoid starting or stopping on a sic;
tires lose fraction, disengage the
blades and proceed slowly etraigh
down the slope.
DO NOT:
• Do not turn on slopes unless nec_
sary, and then, turn slowly and grs
ally downhill, if possible.
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditche=
embankments. The mower could
suddenly rum over if a wheel is ov
the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an
caves In.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduc_
traction could cause sliding.
• Do not try to stabilize the machin_
putting your foot on the ground.
• Do not use grass catcher on steep
slopes.