Sears 917.250551 manual II. Slope Operation, III. Children, Safety is Involved, Exhaust

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

Read, understand, and fellow 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 areais clear of other people before mowing SLop 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

•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

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 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

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

tipover accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes require extra caution, tf 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

•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

KeepallmovementontheslopesslowandgradualDonor make sudden changes in speed or direction

Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other deblis build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage Allow machine to cool before storing.

Stop and irrspect 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'thisBECOMEsymbol ALERT!!!to point outYOURim-

SAFETY IS INVOLVED,

=

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

A

CAUTION:

Always disconnect

spark

plug

and gradually

downhill, if possible

wire and place

wire where it cannot contact

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

starting

when

setting up,

transporting,

of a cliff or ditch,

or if an edge caves in

adjusting

or making

repairs,

Do not mow

on wet

grass Reduced traction could cause

sliding.

A

WARNING

A

•

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.

2