Safety - Craftsman 486.25012 Operator's Manual

Any power equipment can cause injury if operated improperly or if the user does not understand how to operate the
equipment. Exercise caution at all times when using power equipment.
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Read and follow all instructions in this manual before
attempting to assemble or operate this equipment. Failure
to comply with these instructions may result in personal
injury. Keep this manual in a safe place for future reference
and for ordering replacement parts.
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Read this operating and service instruction manual
carefully. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and proper
use of this power vacuum.
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Read the vehicle owners manual and vehicle safe operation
rules before using this equipment.
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Never allow children under 16 to operate this Vac System.
Children 16 years and older should only operate under
close parental supervision.
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DO NOT allow anyone to operate this equipment without
proper instructions.
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DO NOT allow passengers to ride on this equipment or the
towing vehicle.
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Keep the area of operation clear of others, particularly
small children and pets.
• Check fuel before starting engine. Do not fill fuel tank
indoors, while engine is running or while engine is hot. Wipe
off any spilled fuel before starting engine.
• Engine and muffler get hot. Do not touch! To avoid fire
hazard, keep clean of debris and other accumulations.
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Never store Vac System with fuel in tank. Allow engine to
cool before storing in any enclosure.
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Do not change engine governor settings.
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Do not operate engine if air cleaner or cover is removed
except for adjustment. Removal of these parts could create
a fire hazard.
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Keep hands, feet, face, long hair and clothing out of inlet
and discharge area. There are ROTATING BLADES inside
these openings.
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Before cleaning, repairing or inspecting, make certain
all moving parts come to a complete stop. Disconnect
spark plug wire and keep wire away from plug to prevent
accidental starting. Keep throttle control lever in stop
position.
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If the Vac System should become blocked with debris
at any point, shut engine off and wait until the impeller
comes to a complete stop before attempting to remove
the obstruction. Disconnect spark plug wire to prevent
accidental starting.
Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It means — Attention!! Become alert!! Your
safety is involved.
DANGER: This Vac System was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this
manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can
result in serious injury. This unit is capable of amputating fingers and hands and throwing objects. Failure
to observe the safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.

SAFETY

• If the cutting mechanism strikes a foreign object, or if your
Yard Vac should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine
immediately, disconnect spark plug wire and move the wire
away from the spark plug. Allow the machine to stop and
take the following steps.
a. Inspect for damage.
b. Repair or replace any damaged parts.
c. Check for loose parts and tighten to assure
continued safe operation.
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Check all bolts for tightness at frequent intervals to help
insure safe operation.
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Check top cover frequently for wear. Replace if worn or
damaged.
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Never operate Yard Vac unless deck adapter, hose, hose
adapter (nozzle), discharge chute (elbow), and top cover
are properly attached in their place.
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Do not remove top cover or attempt to empty contents of
cart while engine is running.
• Never attempt to change hose adapter (nozzle) or to install
remote hose attachment when engine is running.
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Keep all shields and guards (e.g. discharge chute (elbow)
and hose adapter (nozzle) in place and securely attached.
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Always wear safety glasses or other suitable eye protection
when operating or maintaining this equipment.
• Do not stand behind cart in exhaust discharge area while
engine is running.
• Do not operate this equipment while intoxicated or while
taking drugs or medication that impairs the senses or
reactions.
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When using this equipment, start the vehicle transmission
in first (low) gear and then gradually increase speed only as
conditions permit.
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Operate this equipment at reduced speed on rough terrain,
along creeks and ditches and on slopes to prevent tipping
or loss of control. Do not drive too close to a creek or ditch.
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Vehicle braking and stability are affected by the addition of
this equipment. Do not fill the Yard Vac to its full capacity
without checking the capability of the towing vehicle to
safely pull and stop with Yard Vac attached.
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Before operating on any grade (hill) refer to the safety rules
in the vehicle owner's manual concerning safe operation on
slopes. Also refer to the SLOPE GUIDE on page 27 of this
owner's manual. Do not operate on slopes in excess of 10
degrees. STAY OFF STEEP SLOPES!
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Follow the maintenance instructions outlined in this manual.
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