Sears 917.257632 owner manual Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers, Children

SAFETY RULES

Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers

IMPORTANT: 'THISCUTTING 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

•Read, understand, and follow ati 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.

•Besure the area is clear of other people before mowing Stop machine if anyone enters 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.

!11. 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 childrenout of the mowing area and under the watchful care of another responsible aduR.

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

°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 comers, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.

•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.,

II.SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and ttpover accidents, which can resu{t in severe injury or death_ All slopes require extra caution., tf you cannot back up the slope or ifyou feel uneasy on it, do not mow ito

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 machtne_ Ta// grass can hide obstac/es..

•Use slow speed, Choose a low gear so that you wiltnot 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 stabilityof the machine.

°Keep all movement on the slopes slowand gradua/. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction.

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

DO NOT:

•Donor turn on slopes unlessnecessary, and then, turnslowly and gradually downhill, if possible_

°Do not mow near drop-ells, 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 tostabilize the machine byputting yourfoot on the ground.

=Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes,.

IV, SERVICE

°Use extra care in handlinggasoline and etherfuels. 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 inslde where there is an open flame, such as a water hF,,ater.

•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 regulady_

•Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or ether'debrisbuild-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool before stodng.

°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 catchercomponents are subject to wear, damage, and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or atlow objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and replace with manufacturer'srecommended 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,

tant safety precautions, it means

LookCAUTIONtt!for this symbolBECOME to ALERTIHpoint out imporYOUR-

SAFETY IS INVOLVED,

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CAUTION: Always disconnect spark

contact spark plug in order to prevent plug wire and place wire where it cannot accidental starting when setting up,

transporting, adjusting or making

repairs.

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