Craftsman 917.259561 Safety Rules, Awarning, Safe Operation Practices for Ride-OnMowers

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		III.	CHILDREN
•	Read, understand,				and follow all instructions in the manual	Tragic accidents can occur ifthe operator is not alert to the
	and on the machine before starting.					presence of children. Children are often attracted to the
•	Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the
						machine and the mowing activity.		Never assume that
	instructions, to operate the machine.					children will remain where you last saw them.
	Clear the area of ob ects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc.,
							Keepchildrenoutofthemowingarea and underthewatchful
	wh ch cou d be p cked up and thrown by the blade.
							care of anotherresponsibleadult.
•	Be sure the area is clear of other people befors mowing. Stop
						•	Be alert and turnmachineoff ifchildrenenter the area.
	machine if anyone enters the area.
						•	Beforeand when backing,look behindand downfor small
•	Never carry passengers.
							children.
•	Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always
						•	Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously
	look clown and behind before and while backing.
							injuredor interferewith safe machineoperation.
•	Be aware		of the mower discharge direction and do not point
						•	Never allow childrento operatethe machine.
	it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without either the
							Use extra care when approachingblind comers, shrubs,
	entire grass catcher or the guard in place.
•	Slow down before turning.						trees, or otherobjectsthat may obscurevision.
•	Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off					IV.	SERVICE
	blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys					•	Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They ars
	before dismounting.
							flammable and vapors are explosive.
	Turn off blades when not mowing.
							Use only an approved container.
•	Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging
							Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine
	chute.
•	Mow	only in daylight or good artificial light.					running. Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do not
							smoke.
	Do not operate the machine while under the influence of
							Never refuel the machine indoors.
	alcohol or drugs.
							Never store the machine or fuel container inside where
	Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways.
							there is an open flame, such as a water heater.
	Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into
						•	Never run a machine inside a closed area.
	a trailer or truck.
						•	Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight
II.	SLOPE		OPERATION				and keep equipment in good condition.
Slopes		are	a	major	factor related to loss-of-control and	•	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. 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 will nothave 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 slowly straight down the slope.

Keep 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 parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and replace with manufacturer's recommended pads, 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.

&Look for thls symbol to point out Importantsafety precautions.ItCAUTIONI!! BECOME ALERTlll meansYOUR

SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

DO NOT:

Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, tum slowly 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 try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground.

Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.

CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot contact spark plug In order to prevent accidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs.

AWARNING

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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