Craftsman 917.259172 manual Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers, General Operation

SAFETY RULES

Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers

IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE lS 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 instructions in the manual and on the machinebeforestarting

•Only allow responsibleadults, who are familiar with the instructions,to operatethe machine°

•Clear the area of objectssuch as rocks, toys, wire, etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the blade.

•Besure the areais clear of other peoplebefore mowing Stop, machine if anyone enters the area.

•Never carry passengers°

•Do not mow in reverseunlessabsolutelynecessary.Always lookdown and behindbeforeand while backing

•Be aware of the mowerdischargedirectionand do not point it at anyone, Do not operatethe mowerwithouteitherthe entiregrass catcheror the guardin place.

•Slow downbefore turning°

•Never leave a runningmachineunattended. Always turnoff

blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys before dismounting_

•Turn offblades when not mowing.

°Stop engine before removinggrass catcheror unclogging chute

-Mow only in daylightor good artificiallight

•Do not operate the machinewhile under the influenceof alcoholor drugs

•Watch for trafficwhen operatingnear or crossingroadways.

•Use extra care when loading or unloadingthe machine into a trailer or truck.

II.SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tipover accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes requite 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 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 wiltnot 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 slow and gradual Do not make sudden changes in speed or'direction..

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

DO NOT:

°Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowfy and gradually downhill, if possible._

•Do not mow near drop-oils,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 ino

•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.

!!1. 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 fast saw them.

=Keepchildrenoutofthe mowingarea and underthewatchful 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 sma!_ 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, AIEowengine 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 spiElage.. 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 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.

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	WARNING			A

The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to

cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproduc-

tive harm.

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