Craftsman 138.98818 Operator's Manual page 3

_,WARNING! READ AND UNDERSTAND
ALL INSTRUCTIONS. Failure to follow all
instructions listed below and on the machine
may result in electric shock, fire, and/or serious
personal injury.
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
• This cutting machine is capable of amputating
hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure
to observe all safety instructions could result
in serious injury or death.
• Avoid dangerous environment - Do not use
the lawn mower in damp or wet conditions or
operate in the rain.
• Keep children away - Keep all bystanders,
children, and pets at least 50 ft. away. Stop
machine if anyone enters the area.
• 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 children out of the mowing area and
under the watchful care of a responsible
adult other than the operator.
• Be alert and turn mower off if a child
enters the area.
• Do not let children under the age of 14 to
operate this mower.
• Use extra care when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects
that may block your view of a child.
• Dress properly - Wear heavy, long pants,
long sleeves, boots, and gloves. Do not wear
loose fitting clothing, short pants, sandals, or
go barefoot. Do not wear jewelry of any kind.
They can be caught in moving parts.
• Don't overreach - Keep proper footing and
balance at all times. Overreaching can result
in loss of balance.
• Do not operate the equipment while barefoot
or when wearing sandals or similar lightweight
footwear. Wear protective footwear that will
protect your feet and improve your footing on
slippery surfaces.
• Do not leave the mower unattended while
running.
• Keep hands and feet away from cutting area.
Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.
• Operate the lawn mower only in daylight or
good artificial light.
• Always wear safety glasses with side shields.
Everyday glasses have only impact resistant
lenses. They are NOT safety glasses.
Following this rule will reduce the risk of eye
injury. Use face mask if operation is dusty.
• Use safety glasses - Always wear eye
protection with side shields marked to comply
with ANSI Z87.1. Use face mask if operation
is dusty.
• Use the right appliance - Do not use the lawn
mower for any job except that for which it is
intended.
• Do not force the lawn mower - It will do the
job better and safer at the rate for which it
was designed.
• Stay alert - Watch what you are doing and
use common sense when operating the
lawn mower. Do not operate the mower
while tired, upset or under the influence of
drugs, alcohol, or medication. A moment of
inattention while operating the lawn mower
may result in serious personal injury.
• Maintain lawn mower with care - Keep
machine in good working condition. Keep
blades sharp and guards in place and in
working order. Replace damaged or unevenly
worn blades before using the mower for best
performance.
• Check all nuts, bolts, and screws at frequent
intervals for proper tightness to be sure
the equipment is in safe working condition.
Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or
wear gloves, and use extra caution when
servicing them.
• Do not dispose of the battery in a fire. The
cell may explode. Check with local codes for
possible special disposal instructions.
• Stop the motor, wait until the blade comes to
a complete stop, and remove the battery pack
before cleaning the lawn mower, removing
the grass catcher, or removing the mulching
plug.
• Replace the blade if it is bent or cracked.
An unbalanced blade causes vibration that
could damage the motor drive unit or cause
personal injury. Sharpen a dull blade equally
at each end to maintain the balance. Clean
the blade thoroughly.
• When not in use, mower should be stored
indoors in a dry, locked up place--out of the
3 -- English