Safe Handling - Craftsman 917.364250 Owner's Manual

• Disengage the drive system, if so
equipped, before starting the engine
(motor).
• If the equipment should start to vibrate
abnormally, stop the engine (motor)
and check immediately for the cause.
Vibration is generally a warning of
trouble.
• Always wear eye protection when oper-
ating machine.
• Use extra care when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects
that may obscure vision.
• When loading or unloading this ma-
chine, do not exceed the maximum
recommended operation angle of 15 °.
• Wear proper Personal Protective Equip-
ment (PPE) while operating this ma-
chine, including (at a minimum) sturdy
footwear, eye protection, and hearing
protection. Do not mow in shorts or
open toed footwear.
Always let someone know you are outside
mowing.
ill. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to slip &
fall accidents, which can result in severe
injury. All slopes require extra caution. If
you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.
DO:
• Mow across the face of slopes: never
up and down. Exercise extreme caution
when changing direction on slopes.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree
limbs, etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps or hidden
objects. Uneven terrain could cause
a slip and fall accident. Tall grass can
hide obstacles.
DO NO_
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches
or embankments. You could lose your
footing or balance.
• Do not mow on wet grass or exces-
sively steep slopes. Poor footing could
cause a slip and fall accident.
iV. SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE
To avoid personal injury or property dam-
age, use extreme care in handling gaso-
line. Gasoline is extremely flammable and
the vapors are explosive.
• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes
and other sources of ignition.
• Use only an approved container.
• Never remove gas cap or add fuel with
the engine running.
• Allow engine to cool before refueling.
• Never refuel the machine indoors.
• Never store the machine or fuel contain-
er where there is an open flame, spark
or pilot light such as a water heater or
on other appliances.
• Never fill containers inside a vehicle, on
a truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner.
Always place containers on the ground
away from your vehicle before filling.
• Remove gas-powered equipment from
the truck or trailer and refuel it on the
ground. If this is not possible, then
refuel such equipment with a portable
container, rather than from a gasoline
dispenser nozzle.
• Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim
of the fuel tank or container opening at
all times until fueling is complete. Do
not use a nozzle lock-open device.
• If fue! is spilled on clothing, change
clothing immediately.
• Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas
cap and tighten securely.
V.
o
o
GENERAL SERVICE
Never run a machine inside a closed area.
Never make adjustments or repairs with
the engine (motor) running. Disconnect
the spark plug wire, and keep the wire
away from the plug to prevent acciden-
tal starting.
• Keep all nuts and boltstightto be surethe
equipment is in safe working condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices.
Check their proper operation regularly.
• Never do anything to interfere with the
intended function of a safety device or
reduce the protection provided by a
safety device.
• 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 if you
strike an object. Repair, if necessary,
before restarting.
• Never attempt to make wheel height ad-
justments while the engine is running.
• Grass catcher components are subject
to 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 necessary.
• Mower blades are sharp and can cut.
Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and
use extra caution when servicing them.
• Do not change the engine governor set-
ting or overspeed the engine.
• Maintain or replace safety and instruc-
4 tion labels, as necessary.