Safety Rules; General Operation - Craftsman 917.288460 Operator's Manual

_DANGER: This cutting 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,
A_,WARNING: In order to prevent ac-
cidental starting when setting up, trans-
porting, adjusting or making repairs, always
disconnect spark plug wire and place
wire where it cannot contact spark plug.
_,WARNING: Do not coast down a hill in
neutral, you may lose control of the tractor.
_,WARNING: Tow only the attachments
that are recommended by and comply
with specifications of the manufacturer of
your tractor. Use common sense when
towing. Operate only at the lowest pos-
sible speed when on a slope. Too heavy
of a load, while on a slope, is dangerous.
Tires can lose traction with the ground and
cause you to lose control of your tractor.
_IbWARNING: Engine exhaust, some of
its constituents, and certain vehicle com-
ponents contain or emit chemicals known
to the State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
,_WARNING: Battery posts, terminals
and related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds, chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects or other reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
Read, understand, and fol-
low all instructions on the machine
and in the manual before starting.
• Do not put hands or feet near rotating
parts or under the machine. Keep clear
of the discharge opening at all times.
• Only allow responsible adults,
who are familiar with the instruc-
tions, to operate the machine.
• Clear the area of objects such as
rocks, toys, wire, etc., which could be
picked up and thrown by the blades.
• Be sure the area is clear of by-
standers before operating. 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.
• Never direct discharged material toward
anyone. Avoid discharging material
against awall or obstruction. Material may
ricochet back toward the operator. Stop
the bladeswhen crossing gravel surfaces.
• Do not operate machine without the
entire grass catcher, discharge guard, or
other safety devices in place and working.
• Slow down before turning.
• Never leave a running machine unat-
tended. Always turn off blades, set
parking brake, stop engine, and re-
move keys before dismounting.
• Disengage blades when not mowing.
Shut off engine and wait for all parts to
come to a complete stop before clean-
ing the machine, removing the grass
catcher, or unclogging the discharge guard.
• Operate machine only in daylight or good
artificial light.
• Do not operate the machine while un-
der the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Watch for traffic when operating near or
crossing roadways.
• Use extra care when loading or unload-
ing the machine into a trailer or truck.
• Always wear eye protection when operat-
ing machine.
• Data indicates that operators, age 60
years and above, are involved in a
large percentage of riding mower-re-
lated injuries. These operators should
evaluate their ability to operate the riding
mower safely enough to protect them-
selves and others from serious injury.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommenda-
tion for wheel weights or counterweights.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves or
other debris build-up which can touch
hot exhaust/engine parts and burn. Do
not allow the mower to plow leaves or
other debris which can cause build-up
to occur. Clean any oil or fuel spillage
before operating or storing the ma-
chine. Allow machine to cool before
storage.
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