Craftsman 917.38862 owner manual II. Slope Operation, Do not, II1. Children, IV. Service

•Stopthe blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads.

•Stop the engine (motor) whenever you leave the equipment, before cleaning the mower or unclogging the chute.

•Shut the engine (motor) off and wait until the blade comes to complete stop before removing grass catcher.

•Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

•Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

•Never operate machine in wet grass. Always be sure of your footing: keep a firm hold on the handle and walk; never run.

•Disengage the self-propelled mecha- nism or drive clutch on mowers so

equipped before starting the engine (motor).

•, if the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine (motor) and check immediately for the cause.

Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.

•Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields when operating mower.

II.SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents which can result in

severe injury. All slopes require extra

caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.

DO:

•Mow across the face of slopes: never up and down. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.

•Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.

•Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

DO NOT."

•Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or embankments. The operator could lose footing or balance.

•Do not trim excessively steep slopes.

•Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced footing could cause slipping.

II1. 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.

•Keep children out of the trimming area and under the watchful care of another

responsible adult,

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

•Before and while walking backwards, look behind and down for small children.

•Never allow children to operate the machine.

•Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.

IV. SERVICE

•Use extra care in 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 cool before refueling. 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.

•Never run a machine inside a closed area.

•Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine (motor) running. Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keep the wire away from the plug to prevent acciden- tal starting.

•Keep 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, or other debris build-up.Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool before storing.

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

•Never attempt to make wheel height adjustments while the engine (motor) is 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, when necessary.

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

•Do not change the engine governor setting or overspeed the engine.

3