Safety Rules; General Operation; Slope Operation - Craftsman 917.271532 Owner's Manual

MPORTAN'r: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwingobjects. Failure to observe the following safety instructionscould 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 responsibleadults, who are
familiar with the instructians, t o operate
the machine.
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks,
toys,wire, etc., which could be picked
up and thrownby 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 unlessabsolutely
necessary. Always lookdown and
behind before and while backing.
• Be aware of the mower discharge
directionand do not point it at anyone,
Do not operate the mower without either
the entire grass catcher or the guard in
place.
• Slow down beforeturning.
• Never leave a runningmachine
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 uncloggingchute.
• Mow only in daylight or good artificial
light.
• Do not operate the machine while under
the influenceof alcohol or drugs.
• Watch for trafficwhen operating near or
crossingroadways.
• Use extra care when loading or unload-
ing the machine into a traileror truck.
• Data indicatesthat operators, age 60
years and above, are involvedin a large
percentage of riding mower-related
injuries. These operators should
evaluate their abilityto operate the riding
mower safely enough to protect them-
selves and othersfrom serious injury.
• Keep machinefree of grass, leaves or
other debris build-upwhich can touch
hot exhaust/ engine parts and burn. Do
not allow the mower deck to plow leaves
or other debris which can cause build-
up to occur.Clean any oil or fuel
spillage before operatingor storing the
machine. Allow machine to cool before
storage.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopesare a major factor related to loss-of-
controland tipoveraccidents,which can re-
suit in severe injury or death. All slopes
require extra caution. Ifyou cannotback up
the slope or if you 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 couldovedum the machine. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so
that you will not have to stop or shift
while on the slope.
Follow the manufacturer's recommenda-
tions for wheel weights or counter-
weights to improve stability.
Use extra care with grass catchers or
other attachments. These can change
the stabiJity 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 bosetraction, disengage the blades
and proceed slowly straight down the
slope.
DO NOT:
• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary,
and then, tam slowly and gradually
downhill, if possible.
• Do not mow near drep-offs, dftches, or
embankments. The mower could
suddenly tam 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 couldcause sliding.
• Do not try to stabilize the machine by
putting your foot on the ground.
• Do notuse grasscatcher on steep
slopes.
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