Operating On A Slope - Craftsman 35751 Owner's Manual

17. Do not abuse the cord by pulling the mower by the cord or yanking on the cord in order to disconnect
it from the outlet. Keep the cord away from heat, oil, and sharp edges.
18. Many injuries occur as a result of the mower being pulled over the operator's foot during a fall caused
by slipping or tripping. Do not operate this mower in bare feet, or while wearing sandals or lightweight
(e.g.: canvas) shoes. Do not hold on to the mower if you are falling. Release the handle immediately.
19. Never pull the mower back toward you while you are walking. If you must back the mower away from
a wall or an obstruction, first look down and behind in order to avoid tripping, and then follow these steps:
Step back from the mower in order to fully extend your arms.
Be sure that you are well balanced.
Pull the mower back slowly.
Repeat these steps as necessary.
20. Do not use mower for any job except that for which it is intended. Do not force the mower.
21. Do not operate the mower while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
22. Stay Alert: Do not operate the mower when you are tired. Pay attention to what you are doing. Use
common sense.
23. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the cutting deck. Contact with the blade can ampu
tate hands and feet.
24. Do not attempt to adjust the wheels or the cutting height while the motor is running.
25. Avoid dangerous environments. Do not operate the mower in the rain or in wet or damp grass.
26. Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light. Do not rush a mowing job.
27. Stop the blade when crossing gravel driveways, walkways, or roads.
28. If the mower starts to vibrate abnormally, stop the motor and check for the cause immediately. Vibration is
generally a warning of trouble.
29. Stop the motor and wait until the blade comes to a complete stop before removing the grass catcher or
unclogging the chute. The cutting blade will continue to rotate for a few seconds after the motor is shut
off. Do not place any part of your body in the blade area until you are sure that the blade has stopped
rotating.
30. Never operate the mower without a proper trail shield, discharge cover, grass catcher, blade/motor
control, or other safety protective devices in place and in working order. Do not operate the mower with
damaged safety devices. Doing so can result in injury.
Slopes are a major factor related to accidents involving slips and falls, which can result in severe injury.
Operating the mower on a slope requires extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it. For your
safety, use the slope gauge that is included as part of this manual to measure slopes before operating this
mower on a sloped or hilly area. Do not mow a slope that has an angle of greater than 15°.
1. Mow across the face of a slope, and never up and down. Exercise extreme caution when changing
direction on a slope.
2. Watch for holes, ruts, rocks, hidden objects, or bumps that may cause a slip or a trip. Tall grass can hide
obstacles. Remove all objects such as rocks, tree limbs, etc., that can be tripped over or thrown by the
blade.
3. Always be sure of your footing. If you feel like you are losing your balance, release the blade/motor control
handle immediately. The blade will stop rotating within 3 seconds.
4. Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments, because you could lose your footing or balance.
5. Do not mow a slope that has an angle of greater than 15°, as determined using the slope gauge.
6. Do not mow wet or damp grass. Unstable footing can cause slipping.
1. Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not aware of the presence of children. Keep children out of the
mowing area and under the watchful care of a responsible adult. Stay alert, and turn the mower off if a
child enters the mowing area. Look behind and down for small children before and while moving back
wards. Use extreme care when approaching blind corners, doorways, shrubs, trees, or other objects that
may obscure your view of a child who may run into the path of the mower.
2. Do not allow children under the age of 14 to operate this mower. Children who are 14 years of age and
older must read and understand the operating instructions and safety rules in this manual, and must be
trained and supervised by a parent.

Operating on a Slope

Children
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