Craftsman 917.379040 Owner's Manual page 3

• Stop the blade(s)when crossinggravel
drives,walks, or roads.
• Stop the engine (motor)wheneveryou
leave the equipment,before cleaning
the mower or uncloggingthe chute.
• Shut the engine (motor)off and wait
untilthe bladecomes to completestop
before removinggrass catcher.
• Mow only in daylightor good artificial
light.
• Do not operate the machinewhile
under the influenceof alcoholor drugs.
• Never operate machinein wet grass.
Always be sure of yourfooting: keep a
firm hold on the handle and walk;
never run.
• Disengage the self-propelledmecha-
nismor ddve clutchon mowers so
equipped before startingthe engine
(motor).
• If the equipmentshouldstartto vibrate
abnormally,stop the engine (motor)
and check immediately for the cause.
Vibrationis generallya wamingof
trouble.
• Alwayswear safety gogglesor safety
glasses with side shields when
operating mower.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a majorfactor relatedto slip
and fall accidentswhichcan resultin
severe injury.All slopes requireextra
caution.If you feel uneasy on a slope, do
not mowit.
DO:
• Mow acrossthe face of slopes:never
up and down. Exemiseextreme
caution when changingdirectionon
slopes.
• Remove obstaclessuch as rocks,tree
limbs,etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts,or bumps.Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
DO NOT:
• Do not trim near drop-offs,ditchesor
embankments.The operatorcould lose
footing or balance.
• Do not tdm excessively; steep slopes.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced
footing could cause slipping.
III. CHILDREN
Tragicaccidentscan occurif the operator
is not alertto the presenceof children.
Childrenare often attractedto the
machineand the mowingactivity.Never
assume that children will remain where
you lastsaw them.
• Keep children out of the trimming area
and under the watchful care of another
responsible adult.
• Be alert and tum machine off if children
enter the area.
• Before and while walking backwards,
look behind and down for small
children.
• Never allow children to operate the
machine.
• Use extra care when approaching blind
comers, shrubs, trees, or other objects
that may obscure vision.
IV, SERVICE
• Use extra care in handling gasoline
and other fuels. They are flammable
and vapors are explosive.
-Use only an approved container.
- Never remove gas cap or add fuel
with the engine running. Allow
engine to cool before refueling. Do
not smoke.
- Never refuel the machine indoors.
- Never store the machine or fuel
container inside where there is an
open flame, such as a water heater.
• Never run a machine inside a closed
area.
• Never make adjustments or repairs
with the engine (motor) running.
Disconnect the spark plug wire, and
keep the wire away from the plug to
prevent accidental starting.
• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade
attachment bolts, tight and keep
equipment in good condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices.
Check their proper operation regularly.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or
other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel
spillage. Allow machine to cool before
storing.
• Stop and inspect the equipment if you
strike an object. Repair, if necessary,
before restarting.
• Never attempt to make wheel height
adjustments while the engine (motor) is
running.
• Grass catcher components are subject
to wear, damage, and detedoration,
which could expose moving parts or
allow objects to be thrown. Frequently
check components and replace with
manufacturer's recommended parts,
when necessary.
• Mower blades are sharp and can cut.
Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and
use extra caution when servicing them.
• Do not change the engine governor
3 setting or overspeed the engine.