Craftsman 917.24898 Safe Operation Practices for Ride-OnMowers, General Operation, Ill. Children

SAFETY RULES

Safe Operation Practices for Ride-OnMowers

iMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATINGHANDS AND FEETAND THROWING OBJECTS. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY iNSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT iN SERIOUS iNJURY OR DEATH.

WARNING: in order to prevent ac- cidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making re- pairs, always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot contact spark plug.

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Utractor.

*Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above, are involved in a large percentage of riding mower-re- lated injuries. 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 recommendation for wheel weights or counterweights.

*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 deck to plow leaves

or other debris which can cause build-up to occur. Clean any oil or fuel spillage before operating or storing the machine. Allow machine to cool before storage.

that are recommended by and com-

_) plyWARNING:with specificationsTowonly the ofattachmentsthe manu- facturer 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.

I. GENERAL OPERATION

*Read, understand, and follow all instructions 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.

*Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before operat- ing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

*Never carry passengers.

*Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Al- ways look down and behind before and while backing.

*Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction. Ma- terial may ricochet back toward the operator. Stop the blades when crossing gravel surfaces.

*Do not operate machine without the entire grass catcher, discharge guard, or other safety devices in place and working.

*Slow down before turning.

*Never leave a running machine unattended. 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 guard.

*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 road- ways.

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

*Always wear eye protection when operating machine.

II. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. Operation on all slopes requires extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.

*Mow up and down slopes, not across.

*Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

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

*Do not mow on wet grass. Tires may lose traction. Always keep the machine in gear when going down slopes. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.

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

*Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction, which could cause the machine to roll over.

*Use extra care while operating machine with grass catchers or other attachments; they can affect the stability of the machine. Do no use on steep slopes.

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

*Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The machine could suddenly roll over if a wheel is over the edge or if the edge caves in.

Ill. 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.

*Keepchildrenoutofthemowingareaandinthewatchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator.

*Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the

a tea.

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

*Never carrychildren, even with the blades shutoff. 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, sh rubs, trees, or other objects that may block your view of a child.