Sears 917.259567 owner manual Safe Operation Practices for Ride=On Mowers, III Children

SAFETY RULES

Safe Operation Practices for Ride=On Mowers

iMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS 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

III.

CHILDREN

Read,

understand,

and follow all

instructions

in the manual

Tragic accidents

can

occur

if the operator

is

not

alert

to the

and on the machine before starting.

presence

of

children.

Children are often attracted to the

,

Only allow

responsible

adults,

who

are

familiar

with

the

machine

and

the mowing

activity.

Never

assume

that

instructions, to operate the machine.

children will remain where you last saw them.

,

Clear the area

of

objecls such

as

rocks,

toys,

wire,

etc.,

o

Keep children out of the mowing area and under

the watchful

which could be picked up and thrown by the blade.

care of another responsible adult.

•

Be sure the area is clear of other people before

mowing.

Stop

,,

Be alert and

turn machine

off if children

enter the

area.

machine if anyone enters the area.

,,

Before

and

when

backing,

look behind

and

down

for small

•

Never

carry

passengers.

children.

•

Do not mow in reverse

unless absolutely necessary.

Always

,

Never

carry

children.

They may fall off

and

be

seriously

look down and behind before and while backing.

injured or interfere with safe machine operation.

•

Be aware of the mower

discharge

direction

and do not point

,,

Never

allow

children

to operate the machine.

it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without either the

°

Use extra care when approaching

blind

corners,

shrubs,

entire grass

catcher or the guard

in place.

•

SFowdown

before

turning.

trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.

•

Never

leave a running

machine unattended.

Always

turn off

IV.

SERVICE

blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys

Use extra care in handling

gasoline and other fuels. They are

before

dismounting.

•

Turn off blades

when

net mowing.

flammable and vapors are explosive.

Use only an approved container.

•

Stop engine before removing grass

catcher

or unclogging

Never

remove

gas cap or add

fuel

with

the

engine

chute.

•

Mow only in daylight or

good artificial

light.

running. Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do not

smoke,

Do not operate the machine while under the influence of

Never refuel the machine indoors.

alcohol

or drugs.

Never store the machine or fuel container inside where

•

Watch

for traffic

when

operating

near or crossing

roadways.

there is an open flame, such as a water heater.

•

Use extra care

when

loading or unloading

the machine

into

o

Never

run a machine

inside a dosed

area.

a lrailer or truck.

II.SLOPE OPERATION

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

DO:

•Mow up and down slopes, not across.

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

•Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Taft 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 stabiJity of the machine.

•Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction.

°

it

e

ii

e

e

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 obiects to be thrown. Frequently check components and replace with manufactureCs 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 slopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope.

DO NOT:

safety precautions,it means Look for this symbol to point out important

CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

®Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.

oDo not mow near drop-otis, ditches, or embankments, The mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.

. Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding.

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

Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.

CAUTION: 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.

IH

WARNING

The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to

cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproduc- tive harm.