Sears 917.25958 manual II1. Children, I1. Slope Operation, Safety is Involved

Safe OperationSAFETYPractices RULESfor Ride-On Mowers _

IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND TH ROWING OBJECTS

FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

I, 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

Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the blade

,,Be surethe area is clear of other people before mowing Stop machine if anyone enters the area

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 mowing area and under the watchful care of another responsible adult

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

Never carry passengers

Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary Always look down and behind before and while backing

Be 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

Slow 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

Mow 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 roadways

Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck_

I1. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tipove r accidents, which can result in severe irrjury or death All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow iL

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.

Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope,

Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel weights or counterweights to improve stability,

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

Keep all movement on the slopes s/owand gradual Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction

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

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

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

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 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, when nec- essary.

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

Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as required

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

DO NOT:

portant safety precautions. It means CAUTION!!!Look for thisBECOMEALERT!!!symbol to point outYOURim-

SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

,

Donor turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly

CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug

wire and place wire where it cannot contact

and gradually

downhill, if possible=

•

Do not mow

near drop-offs,

ditches, or embankments. The

spark plug in

order

to

prevent accidental

mower

could

suddenly turn

over if a wheel is over the edge

A starting

when

setting

up,

transporting,

of a cliff

or ditch, or if an edge caves ir].

adjusting

or making

repairs_

Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause

sliding.

A

WARNING

Do not try to stabilize the machine

by putting your foot on the

ground

Do not use grass catcher on steep

slopes

The engine

exhaust

from

this

product con-

tains chemicals known to the State of Califor-

nia to cause cancer, birth defects, or other

reproductive

harm.

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