Craftsman 917.257281 Owner's Manual page 2

12.0 hp ic electric start 38" mower deck 5 speed transaxle lawn tractor
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SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation
Practices for Ride-On Mowers
IMPORTANT; THIS CUTTtNG 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.
Io
GENERAL
OPERATION
Read, understand, and follow all instructionsin 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 isclear of other people before mowing. Stop
machine if anyone enters the area°
-
Never carp] 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 cat_her 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 lighL
Do not operate the machine while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs_
Watch for trafficwhen 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 and tipover
accidents, which can result in severe injuryor death. All slopes
require extra caution. Ifyoucannotbackupthes[opeorifyou
feel
uneasy on it, do not mow it.
DO:
Mow up and down slopes, not across.
Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
°
Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps.
Uneven terrain could
overturn the machine° Ta/l grass can hfde obstacles.
Use slow speed_ Choose a lowgear so that youwill not have
to stop or shift while on the slope_
Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel
weights or counterweights to improve stability.
Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachrnents_
These can change the stability of the machine.
.
Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual Do not
make sudden changes in speed or direction.
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope, If tires lose traction,
disengage the blades and proceed slowtystraight down the
slope.
DO NOT;
Donot turnon slopes unlessnecessary, and then,turn slowly
and gradua!ly 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 cliffor 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
I!1. 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. Never assume that children will remain
where you last saw them,.
°
Keep chtldrenout of the mowing area and underthe watchful
care of another responsible adulL
.
Be alert and turn machine offif children enter the area.,
°
Before and when backing, look behind and down for small
children_
Never' carry chiIdrem They may fall off and be seriously
injured or interfere with safe machine operation.
°
Never allow children to operate the machine_
Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vlsion.
IV. SERVICE
°
Use extra care in handlinggasoline 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.
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 [f you strike an object.,
Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
°
Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running_
Grass catcher components are subjectto wear, damage, and
deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow
objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and
replace with manufacturer's recommended parts, when nec-
essary.
-
Mower blades are sharp and can cut° Wrap tl_e blade(s) or
wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.
-
Check brake operation frequently_
Adjust and service as
required.
Look for this symbol to point out impor-
tant
safety
precautions.
It means
CAUTIONH!
BECOME
ALERT!!!
YOUR
SAFETY
IS INVOLVED,
CAUTION:
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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