Craftsman 917.289253, 917.289250, 917.289251 owner manual General Operation

,_DANGER: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and

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

_,WARNING: In order to prevent acciden- tal starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs, always discon- nect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot contact spark plug.

_,WARNING:	Do not coast	down	a hill in
neutral, you	may lose control	of the	tractor.

_,WARNING: Tow only the attachments that are recommended by and comply with specifications of the manufacturer of your tractor. Use common sense when towing. Operate only at the lowest possible speed when on a slope. Too heavy of a load, while on a slope, is dangerous. Tires can lose traction with the ground and cause you to lose control of your tractor.

_,WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of

its constituents, and certain vehicle compo- nents contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth

defects or other reproductive harm.

_,WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead

compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects

or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

I. GENERAL OPERATION

•Read, understand, and follow all instruc- tions on the machine and in the manual

before starting.

•Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the machine. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.

•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 blades.

•Ensure the area is clear of bystanders before operating. 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.

•Never direct discharged materialtoward anyone. Avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction. Material may ricochet back toward the operator.

Stop the blades when crossing gravel surfaces.

•Do not operate machine without the en- tire grass catcher, discharge chute, or other safety devices in place and working.

•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.

•Disengage blades when not mowing. Shut off engine and wait for all parts to come to a complete stop before cleaning the machine, removing the grass catcher, or unclogging the discharge chute.

•Operate machine 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.

•AIways wear eye protection when operat- ing machine.

•Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above, are involved in a large percentage of riding mower-related inju- ries. These operators should evaluate their ability to operate the riding mower safely enough to protect themselves and others from serious injury.

•Follow the manufacturer's recommen-

dation for wheel weights or counter- weights.

•Keep machine free of grass, leaves or other debris build-up which can touch hot exhaust / engine parts and burn. Do not allow the mower to plow leaves or other debris which can cause build-up to oc- cur. Clean any oil or fuel spillage before operating or storing the machine. Allow machine to cool before storage.

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