Sears 917.25545 owner manual Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers, Your, Safety is Involved

SAFETY RULES

Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers

IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDSAND FEETAND THROWING 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 ob ects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc, which could be picked up and thrown by the b ade

Be sure the areais clear of other people before mowing Stop machine if anyone enters the area

•Never carry passengers

Do not mowin 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

IL SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a ma or factor related to ]oss_of-control and tipover accidents, which can resu t n severe njury or death A s opes

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 slowspeed Choose a low gear so that you will not have to stop or shift white on the s_ope

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 slowand gradual Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction

•Avoid starting or stopping on a slope_ If tires lose traction,

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 area 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 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 obiects that may obscure vision

IV. SERVICE

Useextracarein handling gasoline and other fuels. Theyare 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 detedoraiion, 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

disengage the blades and proceed slowly straightdown the		tant safety	precautions.	It means
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• Donottumonslopesunlessnecessary, andthen,turnslowly and gradually downhill, if possible.

•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.

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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