Craftsman 107.28993 GENERAL OPERATION, TRANSPORTING AND STORAGE, key, laws, tion), light, machine, blade(s), roadways, all times, ling in reverse, alcohol or drugs

SAFETY RULES AND INFORMATION

Read these safety rules and follow them closely. Failure to obey these rules could result in loss of control of unit, severe personal injury or death to you, or bystanders, or damage to property or equipment.

This mowing deck is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects.

The triangle in text signifies important cautions or warnings which must be followed.

GENERAL OPERATION		• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for wheel
• Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the		weights or counterweights.
		• Keep in mind the operator is responsible for accidents
manual and on the unit before starting.
		occurring to other people or property.
• Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under
		• All drivers should seek and obtain professional and
the machine. Keep clear of the discharge opening at
		practical instruction.
all times.
		• Always wear substantial footwear and trousers.
• Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with
		Never operate when barefoot or wearing sandals.
the instructions, to operate the unit (local regulations
		• Before using, always visually check that the blades
can restrict operator age).
		and blade hardware are present, intact, and secure.
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire,
		Replace worn or damaged parts.
etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the
		• Disengage attachments before: refueling, removing
blade(s).
		an attachment, making adjustments (unless the
• Be sure the area is clear of other people before mow-
		adjustment can be made from the operator’s posi-
ing. Stop the unit if anyone enters the area.
		tion).
• Never carry passengers.
		• When the machine is parked, stored, or left unattend-
• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
		ed, lower the cutting means unless a positive
Always look down and behind before and while travel-
		mechanical lock is used.
ling in reverse.	ReproducWear hearingtionprotection when operating this
• Never direct discharge material toward anyone. Avoid		• Befo e leaving the operator’s position for any reason,
discharging material against a wall or obstruction.		engage the parki g brake (if equipped), disengage
Material may ricochet back toward the operator. Stop		the blades (PTO), st p the e gine, and remove the
the blade(s) when crossing gravel surfaces.		key.
• Do not operate the machine without the entire grass		• To reduce f re hazard, keep the unit free of grass,
catcher, discharge guard (deflector), or other safe y		leaves, & excess o l. Do not stop or park over dry
devices in place and operational.		leaves, grass, or combustible materials.
• Slow down before turning.		• It is a violation of California Public Resource Code
• Never leave a running unit unattended. Always disen-		Section 4442 to use or operate the engine on or near
gage the blades (PTO), set parking brake, st		any forest-covered, brush-covered, or grass-covered
engine, and remove keys before dismounting.		land nless the exhaust system is equipped with a
• Disengage blades (PTO) when not mowing. Shut off		spark arrester meeting any applicable local or state
engine and wait for all parts to come to a complete		laws. Other states or federal areas may have similar
stop before cleaning the machine, removing the g ass		laws.
		• OSHA regulations may require the use of hearing
catcher, or unclogging the discharge guard.
		protection when exposed to sound levels greater than
• Operate the machine only in daylight or good a tificial
		85 dBA for an 8 hour time period.
light.
• Do not operate the unit while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.		CAUTION
• Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing
roadways.		This machine produces sound levels in
• Use extra care when loading or unloading the unit
		excess of 85 dBA at the operator’s ear and
into a trailer or truck.
• Always wear eye protection when operating this unit.		can cause hearing loss though extended
• Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and		periods of exposure.
above, are involved in a large percentage of power
equipment-related injuries. These operators should		machine.
evaluate their ability to operate the equipment safely

enough to protect themselves and others from injury.

TRANSPORTING AND STORAGE

•When transporting the unit on an open trailer, make sure it is facing forward, in the direction of travel. If the unit is facing backwards, wind lift could damage the unit.

•Always observe safe refueling and fuel handling prac- tices when refueling the unit after transportation or storage.

•Never store the unit (with fuel) in an enclosed poorly ventilated structure. Fuel vapors can travel to an igni- tion source (such as a furnace, water heater, etc.) and cause an explosion. Fuel vapor is also toxic to humans and animals.

•Always follow the engine manual instructions for storage preparations before storing the unit for both short and long term periods.

•Always follow the engine manual instructions for proper start-up procedures when returning the unit to service.

•Never store the unit or fuel container inside where there is an open flame or pilot light, such as in a water heater. Allow unit to cool before storing.

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