Craftsman 272, 410 owner manual General Operation, II. Slope Operation, Do not

IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructionscould result in serious injury or death.

I. GENERAL OPERATION

•Read, understand, and follow all instructionsin the manual and on the machine before starting.

•Only allow responsible adults, who are

familiar with the instructions,to operate the machine.

•Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the blade.

•Be sure the area is clear of other people

before mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

•Never carry passengers.

•Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while backing.

•Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without either the entire grass catcher or the guard in placa.

•Slow down before turning.

•Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn offblades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys before dismounting.

•Turn off blades when not mowing.

•Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging chute.

•Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

•Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

•Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways.

•Use extra care when loading or unload- ing the machine into a trailer or truck.

•Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above, are involved in a large pe..rcantage of riding mower-related mjudes. These operators should evafuate their ability to operate the riding mower safely enough to protect them- selves and others from serious injury.

•Keep machine free of grass, leaves or other debris build-upwhichcan touch hot exhaust / engine pads and bum. Do

not allow the mower deck to plow leaves or other debds which can cause build- up to occur. Clean any oil or fuel

spillage before operating or stodng the mach=ne. Allow machine to cool before storage.

II. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of- control and tipover accidents, which can re- sult in severe injury or death. All slopes require extra caution, if you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.

DO:

•Mow up and down slopes, not across.

•Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.

Watch for holes, ruts,or bumps. Uneven terrain could overtum the machine. Tall

grass can hide obstacles.

Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope.

Follow the manufacturer'srecommenda- tions for wheel weights or counter- weights to improve stability.

Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. These can change the stabilityof the machine.

Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction.

Avoid starting or stoppingon a slope. If tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straightdown the

slope.

DO NOT:

•Do not tum on slopes unless necessary, and then, ham slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.

•Do not mow near drop-offs,ditches,orembankments. The mower could suddenly tum over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliffor ditch,or if an edge caves in.

•Do notmow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding.

•Do not try to stabilizethe machine by putting your foot on the ground.

•Donotusegrasscatcheronsteep slopes.