Craftsman 917.258911 owner manual Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers, IL Slope Operation

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 follow all instructionsin 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 sure the area isclear of other people before mowing_ Stop
	machtne 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 witt_out 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 lighL

°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 major factor related to toss-of-control and tipover accidents, which can result in severe injury ordeath, All slopes require extra caution. If 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 recks, tree limbs, etc.,

•Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine_ Taft grass can hide obstacles.

•Use slow speed. Choose a lowgear 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

•Keep all movement on the slopes sfowand gradual,. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction.

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

DO NOT:

III. CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur ifthe 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 adulL

°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 injuredor 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.

IVk SERVICE

Useextra care in handling gasoline andother 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 coo! before refueling Do not smoke,.

Never'refuel the machine indoors.

Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an open fEame,such as a water heater,

°Never run a machine inside a closed area_

oKeep nuts and bolts, especialiy blade attachment bolts, tight and keep equipment in good condition

°Never tamper with safety devices.. Check their proper operation regularly,.

eKeep 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 deterioration, which could expose moving pads or allow objects to be thrown, Frequently check components and replace with manufacturer's recommended parts, when nec- essary_

oMower'blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.

oCheck brake operation frequently Adjust and service as required.

Look for'this	symbol to	point out impor- .........i
tant safety	precautions.	It	means	I
CAUTIONII!	BECOME ALERTIII		YOUR
SAFETY IS iNVOLVED.

•Do not turn on slopes unIessnecessary, and then, 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 tryto stabilize the machine by puttingyour foot on the ground.

•Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes..

I -- CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug I

I_=_ wire and placewire whereit cannot contact I

I _ spark plug in order to prevent accidental I

i _ starting when setting up, transporting, I

I adjusting or makin.g,,.,repatrso . .,. !

,A WARNING

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