Craftsman 917.387402 owner manual Maintenance and Storage, Operation

•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 or when 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.

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.

•Always stop the engine 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 allow anyone near the mower while you are operating it.

•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 from 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 damage 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 abnormally. Excessive vibration is an indication of damage; stop the engine, safely check for the cause of vibration and repair as required.

•Do not run the engine indoors. Exhaust fumes are dangerous.

•Never cut grass by pulling the mower towards you. Mow across the face of slopes, never up and down or you might lose your footing. Do not mow exces- sively 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, plates, grass catcher or other safety devices in place.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:

•Check the blade and the engine mount- ing bolts often to be sure they are tightened properly.

•Check all bolts, nuts and screws at frequent intervalsfor proper tightnessto

be sure mower is in safe working condition.

•Keep all safety devices in place and working.

•To reduce tire hazard, keep the engine

free of grass, leaves or excessive grease and oil.

•Check grass catcher oftenfor deteriora-

tion and wear and replace wom bags.

Use only replacement bags that are recommended by and comply with

specificationsof the manufacturer of your mower.

•Always keep a sharp blade on your mower.

•Allow engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.

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

ACAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot contact spark plug in order to prevent accidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs.

AWARNING: The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of Ca!ifornia to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

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