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Craftsman 917.255690 Owner's Manual page 2

14.0 hp ohv electric start 3 in one convertible 42" mower deck 6 speed transaxle lawn tractor

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SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
IMPORTANT:
THIS cu'r-I"ING 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.
It
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 absolutely 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.
I1. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control a nd tipover
accidents,whichcan result in severe injuryor death. All slopes
requireextracaution. Ifyou cannotbackup the slopeor ifyou feel
uneasy on it, do not mow it.
DO:
Mow up and downslopes, not across.
Remove obstaclessuch as rocks,tree limbs,etc.
Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overturnthe machine. Ta/I grass can hide obstacles.
Useslow speed. Choose a low gear sothatyou willnothave
to stop or shiftwhile on the slope.
Followthemanufacturer's recommendations f orwheelweights
or counterweightsto improvestability.
Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments.
These can change the stabilityof the machine.
Keep all movement on the slopess/owand gradual. Do not
make sudden changesin speed or direction.
Avoid startingor stoppingon a slope. If tires lose traction,
disengagethe bladesand proceed slowlystraightdownthe
slope.
DO NOT:
Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly
and gradually downhill, if possible.
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.
The
mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of
a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.
Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause
sliding.
Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the
ground.
Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.
IlL
CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine
and the mowing activity. Neverassume
that children will remain
where you last saw them.
Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful
care of another responsible adult.
Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.
Before and when backing, look behind and down for small
children.
Never carry children.
They may fall off and be seriously
injured or interfere with the safe machine operation.
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 handlinggasolineand otherfuels. They
are flammable and vaporsare explosive.
Use onlyan approved container.
Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allow engine to cool beforerefueling. Do not
smoke.
Never refuelthe machine indoors.
Never storethe machineor fuel containerinsidewhere
there isan open flame, such as a water heater.
Never run a machineinsidea closedarea.
Keep nutsand bolts,especiallybladeattachment bolts,tight
and keep equipmentin good condition.
Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operationregularly.
Keep machinefree ofgrass,leaves, orotherdebrisbuild-up.
Clean oil or _uel spillage. Allow machine to cool before
storing.
_o
Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object.
Repair, if necessary,beforerestarting.
Never make adjustments or repairswiththe enginerunning.
Grass catcher componentsare sub ect to wear, damage,
anddeterioration,whichcouldexposemovingpartsor allow
objectsto be thrown. Frequentlycheck componentsand
replacewithmanufacturer's recommendedparts,when nec-
essary.
Mower bladesare sharp and can cut, Wrap the blade(s)or
wear gloves,and use extra cautionwhen servicingthem.
Check brake operationfrequently. Adjust and service as
required.
Look for this symbol to point out Impor-
tant
safety
precautions.
It means
CAUTION!!!
BECOME ALERT!!!
YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
I
2
A
CAUT ON:
Always
disconnect
spark
plug wire and place wire where it cannot
contact spark plug In order to prevent
accidental
starting
when setting
up,
transporting,
adjusting
or making
repairs.

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