Craftsman 917.27499 manual General Operation, II. Slope Operation, Stabilityof the machine, Do not

MPORTANT: Th s cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and

throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in sedous injury or death.

I. GENERAL OPERATION

•Read, understand, and follow all instruc- tions in 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 place.

•Slow down before turning.

•Never leave a running machine unat- tended. Always turn off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys before dismounting.

•Turn off blades when not mowing.

•Stop engine before remo'i=nggrass 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 unloading the machine into a trailer or truck.

•Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above, are involved in a large percentage of dd[ng mower-related injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability to operate the riding mower safety enough to protect themselves and othersfrom senous injury.

•Keep machine free of grass, leaves or other debds build-upwhich can touch hot exhaust / engine parts and bum. Do not allow the mower deck to plow leaves or other debris which can cause build-up to occur. Clean any oil or fuel

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

II. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a ma or factor related to loss-of- control and tipover asc dents, wh ch can re- sult in severe in ury or death. AJIslopes require extra caut on. ft you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow _t.

DO:

•Mow up and down slobes, not across.

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

Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn 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. Avoidstartingor stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straightdown the

slope.

DO NOT:

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

•Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The mower could

suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.

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

•Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your feet on the ground.

•Do notuce grass catcher on steep slopes.