Slope Operation; Safe Handling Ofgasoline - Craftsman Z7400 Operator's Manual

Slope Operation
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-over
accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. Operation
on all slopes requires extra caution. If you cannot back up the
slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.
o Mow up and down slopes
(10 degrees maximum), not
across.
o Watch for holes, ruts,
bumps, rocks, or other
hidden objects. Uneven
terrain could overturn the
machine. Tall grass can hide
obstacles.
o Choose a low ground speed
so that you will not have to stop while on the slope.
o Do not mow on wet grass. Tires may lose traction.
o Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If the tires
lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly
straight down the slope.
_ILWARNING! Do not drive up or down hills with slopes
greater than 10 degrees. Do not drive across any slopes.
o Keep movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not
make sudden changes in speed or direction, which could
cause machine to roll over.
o Use extra care while operating machine with grass catchers
or other attachments; they can affect the stability of the
machine.
o Do not use on steep slopes.
o Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting a foot on the
ground.
o Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The
machine could suddenly roll
over if a wheel is over the
edge or the edge caves in.
_IL WARNING! CHILDREN CAN BE INJURED BY
THIS EQUIPMENT. The American Academy of Pediatrics
recommends that children be a minimum of 16 years of age
before operating a riding lawn mower.
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.
o Keep children out of
the mowing area and in
the watchful care of a
responsible adult other than
the operator.
o Be alert and turn machine
off if a child enters the area.
o Before and while backing,
look behind and down for
small children.
o Never carry children, even with the blades shut off. They
may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe
machine operation. Children who have been given rides
in the past may suddenly appear in the mowing area for
another ride and be run
over or backed over by the
machine.
o Never allow children to
operate the machine.
o Use extra care when
approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees, or other
objects that may block your
view of a child.
Safe Handling of Gasoline
To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme care
in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive.
o Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources of
ignition.
o Use only approved gasoline containers.
o Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running.
Allow engine to cool before refueling.
o Never fuel the machine indoors.
o Never store the machine
or fuel container where
there is an open flame,
spark, or pilot light such as
on a water heater or other
appliance.
o Before you begin refueling,
minimize the risk of static
electricity by touching a
metal surface.