Craftsman 917.24903 Safety Rules, Safe Operation Practices for Ride=On Mowers, Ill. CHILDREN

SAFETY RULES &

Safe Operation Practices for Ride=On Mowers

IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATINGHANDSAND FEETAND THROWING OBJECTS. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

WARNING: in order to prevent ac- cidental starting when setting up,

transporting, adjusting or making re= pairs, always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot contact spark plug.

in neutral, you may lose control of the WARNING: Do not coast down a hill tractor.

•Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above, are involved in a large percentage of riding mower- related injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability to operate the riding mower safely enough to protect themselves and others from serious injury.

•Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for wheel weights or counterweights.

•Keep machine free of grass , leaves or other debris build-up which can touch hot exhaust/engine parts and burn. Do not allow the mower deck to plow leaves or other debris which can cause build-up to occur. Clean any oil or fuel spillage before operating or

storing the machine. Allow machine to cool before storage.

WARNING: Tow only the attachments that are recommended by and com- ply with specifications of the manu- facturer of your tractor. Use common sense when towing. Operate only at the lowest possible speed when on a slope. Too heavy of a load, while on a slope, is dangerous. Tires can lose traction with the ground and cause you to lose control of your tractor.

I. GENERAL OPERATION

•	Read,	understand,		and	follow all		instructions on the
	machine and in the manual before starting.
•	Do not put hands			or feet near rotating				parts		or under
	the machine. Keep clear of the discharge opening at
	all times.
•	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 blades.
•	Be sure the area is clear of bystanders							before operat-
	ing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
•	Never	carry passengers.
•	Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely							necessary. Al-
	ways look down and behind before and while backing.
•	Never direct discharged				material toward anyone. Avoid
	discharging material against a wall or obstruction.
	Material may ricochet back toward the operator. Stop
	the blades when crossing gravel surfaces.
•	Do not operate machine				without the entire grass catcher,
	discharge guard, or other safety devices in place and
	working.
•	Slow down		before	turning.
•	Never	leave a running			machine unattended.					Always
	turn off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and
	remove	keys before dismounting.
•	Disengage		blades	when not mowing. Shut off engine
	and wait for all parts to come to a complete stop before
	cleaning the machine, removing the grass catcher, or
	unclogging		the discharge guard.
•	Operate machine			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.
•	Always wear eye protection when						operating machine.

II. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. Operation on all slopes requires extra caution. If

you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.

•Mow up and down slopes, not across.

•Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden

objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

•Choose a low ground speed so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope.

•Do not mow on wet grass. Tires may lose traction. Always keep the machine in gear when going down slopes. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.

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

•Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction, which could cause the machine to roll over.

•Use extra care while operating machine with grass catchers or other attachments; they can affect the stability of the machine. Do no use on steep slopes.

•Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground.

•Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The machine could suddenly roll over if a wheel is over the edge or if the edge caves in.

Ill. 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 ofthe mowing area and in the watchful

care of a responsible adult other than the operator.

• Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the area.

• Before and while backing, look behind and down for small children.

• Never carry children, even with the blades shut off. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation. Children who have been given

rides in the past may suddenly appear in the mowing area for another ride and be run over or backed over

by the machine.

• Never allow children to operate the machine.

• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,

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trees, or other objects that may block your view of a child.