Craftsman 917.289243 manual General Service

• 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.

•Iffuel is spilled on clothing, change cloth- ing immediately.

•Never overfill fueltank. Replace gas cap

and tighten securely.

GENERAL SERVICE

•Never operate machine in a closed area.

•Keep all nuts and bolts tight to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition.

•Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Check their proper operation regularly.

•Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or

other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuel-soaked de- bris. Allow machine to cool before storing.

•If you strike a foreign object, stop and inspect the machine. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.

•Never make any adjustments or repairs with the engine running.

•Checkgrass catchercomponents andthe discharge chute frequently and replace

with manufacturer's recommended parts, when necessary.

•Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.

•Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as required.

•Maintain orreplace safetyand instruction labels, as necessary.

•Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before operating. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

•Never carry passengers.

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

•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.

•Keep children out of the mowing area and in the watchful care of a responsible 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.

•Mow up and down slopes (15 ° Max), not across.

•Choose a low ground speed so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope.

•Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. Ifthe tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope.

•If machine stops while going uphill, dis- engage blades, shift into reverse and back down slowly.

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

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