Craftsman 917.25693 owner manual Safety Rules

SAFETY RULES

Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers

IMPORTANT: TH IS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS_ FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURYOR DEATH,

. GENERAL OPERATION

. Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual and on the machine before starting.

=Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the instructions, to operate the machine

oClear 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 cleat of other people before mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area,.

o Never carry passengers..

=Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Atways look down and behind before and while backing

oBe 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

o Stow down before turning

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

=Turn off blades when not mowing

=Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging chute.

o Mow only in daylight or good artificial light..

oDo not operate the machine whi_e under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

=Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways,

oUse extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck..

11. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tipover accidents, which can result in severe injury or death.. All slopes

require extracaution_ If you cannot back up the slope orif you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.

DO:

•Mow up and down slopes, 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

o Use slowspeed. Choose a tow gearso that you witl not have to stop or shift while on the slope.

. FoIIow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel weights or counterweights to improve stability.

oUse extra care with grass catchers or other attachments;, These can change the stability of the machine.

oKeep all movement on the slopes slowand gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction,.

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

DO NOT:

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

•Do notmow 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 o

b0 'hiS_"mowV_ii:wet grass. ReducecI traction c0uid-cause

sliding°

oDo not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground.

°Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes_

lU. CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the epe_'atoris not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing activity_ Neverassume that children will remain where you fast saw them.

-Keep children out ofthe mowing area and under the watchful care of another responsible adult.

•Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area. '

. Before and when backing, look behind and down for small children.

°Never carry children. They may fatl off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation..

o Never allow children to operate the machine

°Use extra care when approaching blind comers, shrubs, trees, or'other objects that may obscure vision.

IV. SERVICE

•Use extra carein handling gasoline and other fuels They are flammable and vapors are explosive..

Use only an approved container

Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow engine to coo! b_fore refue!ing Do not smoke.

Never-refuel the machine indoors.

Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an open flame, such as a water heater.

oNever run a machine inside a closed area,

oKeep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight and keep equipment in good condition.

°Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly..

°Keep machine free of grass, leaves, o_ other debris build-up Clean oil or fuel spillage Allow machine to cool before storing.

oStop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object Repair, if necessary, before restarting.

°Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running.

°Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage, and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown, Frequently check components and replace with manufacturer's recommended parts, whe'nnec- essary

°Mower blades are sharp and can cut Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them..

oCheck brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as _equired..

Look for this symbol to point out impor-

tant ..safety precautions, it means

CAUTION!!I BECOME ALERTH1 YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED,

CAUTION: Always disconnect spark

contact spark plug in order to prevent plug wire and,place wire where,!t canneL-: accidental starting when setting up,

transporting, adjusting or making repairs.

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