Craftsman 917272261 owner manual General Operation I1. Slope Operation, Do not

IMPORTANT:This cutting machine s capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.

I. GENERAL		OPERATION	I1. SLOPE OPERATION
•	Read, understand, and follow all		Slopes are a ma or factor related to loss-of-
			control and t pover accidents, which can re-
	instructionsin the manual and on the
			ealt in severe injury or death.		All slopes
	machine before starting.
			require extra caution. If you cannot pack up
•	Only allow responsible adults, who are
			the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not
	famiUar with the instructions, to operate
			mow it.
	the machine.
			DO:
•	Clear the area of objects such as rocks,
			•	Mow up and down slopes, not	across.
	toys, wire, etc., which couldbe picked
			•	Remove obstacles such as rocks,tree
	up and thrown by the blade.
				limbs, etC.
•	Be sure the area is clear of other people
	before mowing. Stop machine if anyone			Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven
				terrain could overturnthe machine. Tall
	enters the area.
				grass can hide obstacles.
•	Never carry	passengers.

•Do not mow in reverse Lmless absolutely Use slaw speed. Cheese a low gear so

	necessary. Always look down and			that you will not have to stop or shift
				while on the slope.
	behind before and while backing.
•	Be aware of the mower discharge			Followthe manufacturer'srecommenda-
	directionand do not point it at anyone.			tions for wheel weights or counter-
	Do not operate the mower without either			weights to improve	stablely.
				Use extra care with grass catchers or
	the entire grass catcher or the guard in
				othor attachments. These can change
	place.
				the stabilityof the machine.
•	Slow down before taming.
• Never leave a rUr_ing machine				Keep all movement on the slopes slow
				and gradual. Do not make sudden
	unattended. Always rum off blades, set
				changes in speed or direction,
	parking brake, stop engine, and remove
	keys before dismounting.			Avoid starting or stopping on • slope, ti
				tires lose traction,	disengage the blades
	Turn off blades when not mowing.
	Stop engine before removing grass			and proceed siov_y straight down _e
				slope.
	catcher or uncloggingchute.
	Mow orgyin daylight or good artificial		DO NOT:
			•	Do not turn an slopes unless necessary,
	light.
	Do not operate the machine while under			and tben, turn slowly and gradually
	the influence of alcohol or drugs.			downhill, if possible.
	Watch for trafficwhen operatingnear or		•	Do notmow near drop-offs,ditches, or
	crossing roadways.			embankments. The mower could
	Use extra care when loading or unload-			suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the
	ing the machine into a trailer or track.			edge of a cliffor ditch, or if an edge
	Data indic_tasthat operators, age 60			caves in.
	years and above, are invelved in a large		•	DO not mow on wet grass. Reduced
	percentage of ridingmower-related			traction could cause sliding.
	iojurlesThese.	operators should	•	Do not try to stabilize the machine by
	evaluate their ability to operate the riding			putting your foot an the ground.
	mower safely enough to protect them-		•	Do notuse grass catcher an steep
	selves and othersfrom serious Injury.			slopes.

•Keep machine free of grass, leaves or other debris build-up which can touch hot exhaust / engine parts and bum. Do not allew the mower deck to plow leaves or other debris which can cause build- up to eecL_. Clean any oilor fuel spillage before operating or storing the machine. Allow machine to coal before storage.