Craftsman 917.373841 owner manual Training, Preparation, Maintenance and Storage

SAFETY RULES

PLUG TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL STARTING WHEN SETTING UP, TRANSPORTING, ADJUSTING OR MAKING

REPAIRS.IMPORTANT

SAFETY STANDARDS REQUIRE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLS TO MINIMIZE THE RISK OF INJURY° YOUR UNIT IS EQUIPPED WITH SUCH CONTROLS° DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DEFEAT THE FUNCTION OF THE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLS UNDER ANY ClRCUM-

STANCES_

TRAINING:

"Read this operator's manual carefully Become familiar with the controts and know how to operate your mower properly Learn how to quickly stop mower.

•Do not allow children to use your mower. Never allow adults to use mower without proper instructions.

•Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, especially small children and pets

•Use mower only as the manufacturer intended and as de- scribed in this manual

°Do not operate mower if it has been dropped or damaged in any manner Always have damage repaired before using

your mower

•Do not use accessory attachments that are not recommended

by the manufacturer Use of such attachments may be hazardous

•Be aware that the blade turns when the engine is running

PREPARATION:

', Always thoroughly check the area to be mowed and clear it of all stones, sticks, wires, bones, and other foreign objects

These objects will be thrown by the blade and can cause severe injury

°Always wear safety glasses or eye shields when starting and while using your mower

•Dress properly Do not operate mower when barefoot or wearing open sandals. Wear only solid shoes with good traction when mowing.

°Check fuel tank before starting engine Do not fill gas tank indoors, when the engine is running orwhen the engine is hot Allow the engine to cool for several minutes before filling the gas tank.. Clean off any spilled gasoline before starting the engine..

•Always make wheel height adjustments before starting your mower. Never attempt to do this while the engine is running.

,,Mow only in daylight or good artificial light

°Always stop the blade whenever you leave or are not using your mower, or before crossing driveways, walks, roads, and any gravel-covered areas

•Never direct discharge of material toward bystanders nor aIIow anyone near the mower while you are operating iL

•Before cleaning, inspecting, or repairing your mower, stop the engine and make absolutely sure the blade and all moving parts have stopped Then disconnect the spark plug wire and keep it away fiom the spark plug to prevent accidental starting.

•Do not continue to run your mower if you hit a foreign object Follow the procedure outlined above, then repair any dam- age before restarting and operating you mower

•Do not change the governor settings or overspeed the engine.. Engine damage or personal injury may result

°Do not operate your mower if it vibrates abnormaUy.. Exces- sive vibration is an indication of damage; stop the engine,

safely check for the cause of vibr alien and repair as required

•Do not run the engine indoors. Exhaust fumes are danger*

OUS,

•Never cut grass by pulling the mower towards you Mow across the face of slopes, never up and down oryou might lose your footing Do not mow excessively steep slopes. Use caution when operating the mower'on uneven terrain or when changing directions - maintain good footing

•Never operate your mower without proper guards, prates, grass catcher or other safety devices in place.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:

"Check the blade and the engine mounting bolts often to be sure they are tightened propedy.

•Check all bolts, nuts and screws at frequent intervals for

proper tightness to be sure mower is in safe working condi- tion.

•Keep all safety devices in place and working.

•To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free of grass, leaves or excessive grease and oil

OPERATION:

,,Keep your eyes and mind on your mower and the area being cut Do not let other interests distract you

°Do not mow wet or slippery grass Never run while operating your mower. Always be sure of your footing - keep a firm hold on the handles and walk

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

•Check grass catcher often for deterioration and wear and

replace worn bags Use only replacement bags that are recommended by and comply with specifications of the

manufacturer of your mower.

•Always keep a sharp blade on your mower.

,,Allow engine to coo] before storing in any enclosurev

•Never store mower with fuel in the tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or an ignition source such as a hot water heater, space heater, clothes dryer, etc

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LOOK FOR	THIS SYMBOL	TO POINT	OUT IMPORTANT	SAFETY	PRECAUTIONS.	I
IT MEANS-	ATTENTIONH!	BECOME	ALERT!!! YOUR	SAFETY	IS INVOLVED.	!
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