Craftsman 917.27623 owner manual II1. Children, IV, Towing, Service, Safe Handling of Gasoline

II. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopesare a majorfactor relatedto loss of controlandtip-over accidents,which can result in severeinjury or death. Opera- tion on all slopes requiresextracaution. If you cannotback up the slopeor if you feel uneasyon it, do not mow it.

•Mow up and downslopes,not across.

•Watchfor holes,ruts, bumps,rocks,or other hiddenobjects. Uneventerrain

couldoverturnthe machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

•Choosea lowground speedso that you will not haveto stop or shift while on the slope.

•Do not mowon wet grass.Tires may lose traction.

Always keepthe machinein gear when

going downslopes.Do not shift to neutraland coastdownhill.

•Avoidstarting, stopping,or turning on a slope. Ifthe tires lose traction, dis- engage the bladesand proceedslowly straight downthe slope.

•Keepall movementon the slopesslow and gradual. Do not makesudden changesin speedor direction,which couldcausethe machineto roll over.

•Use extracare while operating ma- chinewith grass catchersor other at- tachments;they can affectthe stability of the machine.Do no use on steep slopes.

•Do not try to stabilizethe machineby puttingyour foot on the ground.

•Do not mow neardrop-offs,ditches, or embankments.The machinecould

suddenly roll over if awheel is over the edge or if the edge caves in.

II1. 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.

•Keep children out of the mowing area and in the watchful care of a respon- sible adult other than the operator.

•Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the area.

•Before and while backing, look behind and down for small children.

•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.

•Never allow children to operate the machine.

•Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may block your view of a child.

IV, TOWING

•Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for towing. Do not at- tach towed equipment except at the hitch point.

•Followthe manufacturer's recom-

mendation for weight limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes.

•Never allow children or others in or on towed equipment.

•On slopes, the weight of the towed

equipment may cause loss of traction and loss of control.

•Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.

V.SERVICE

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.

•Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources of ignition.

•Use only approved gasoline container.

•Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow engine to cool before refueling.

•Never fuel the machine indoors.

•Never store the machine or fuel con- tainer where there is an open flame, spark, or pilot light such as on a water heater or other appliances.

•Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer bed with plastic liner. Always place containers on the ground away from your vehicle when filling.