Sears 917.257651 owner manual Safety Rules, Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers

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,

L GENERAL OPERATION

-Read, understand, and foltow all instructions in the manual and on the machine before starting

•Only aliow 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.

•BesuretheareaisclearofotherpeoplebeforemowingStop machine if anyone enters the area

•Never carry passengers.

•Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary Atways 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..

*Stow clown before turning

*Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys before dismounting

o 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

II.SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-controt and tipover accidents, which can result in severe injury or death_ All slopes require extra caution, if you cannot back up the stope orif 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_ Tafl grass can hide obstacles.

•Use slow speed.. Choose a low gear so that you wilt 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 slow and gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction

III.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 Neverassume that children will remain where you last saw them

°Keep children out of the mowing aea and under the watchful care of another responsible adult

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

•Before and when backing, look behind and down for smelt 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 approachirrg blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision

IV. SERVICE

•Use extra care in handting gasoline and other fuets. They are flammable and vapors are explosive

Use only an approved container.

Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine runnir_g Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do not smoke

Never refuel the machine indoors.

Never store the machine or fuet container inside where there is an open fIame, such as a water heater'

•Never run a machine inside a ctosed 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 oi_ 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 biades 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.

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•Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction d sengage the blades and proceed slowly sfraightdown the slope.

DO NOT:

• Donotturnenslopesunlessnecessary,andthenturn slowly and gradual y downh , if possibte.

•Do not mow near drop-offs 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

Look for this symbol to point out impor-

tant safety precautions, it means

CAUTIONI!! BECOME ALERTHI YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

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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=

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