Craftsman 917.259592 il. SLOPE OPERATION, The engine exhaust from this product contains, means

Safe OperationSAFETYPractices RULESfor 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 instructions in 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 p_cked up and thrown by the blade.

,* Be surethe areais clearof other peopfe before mowing Stop machine if anyone enters the area°

!11. 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 wilt remain where you last saw them

.	Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful
	care of another responsible adult,,

•Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.,

•Never carry passengers.

-Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary Afways 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 without either the entire grass catcher or the guard in place

=Slow down before turning.

oNever leave a running machine unattended.. Atways 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 light

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

•Never carp:/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 fuets They are flammable and vapors are expfosive,

Use only an approved container

Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine

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
o	Use extra		care	when	loading or unloading the machine into
						o	Never run a machine inside a closed area.
	a trailer	or	truck

il. 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 require extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow iL

DO:

oMow up and down slopes, not across.

•Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree {imbs, 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 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 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.

DO NOT:

•Do not turn on slopes unfess necessary, and then, turn 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,

=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 buitd-up CIean oil or fuel spiltage Allow machine to coo[ 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 aflow

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.

safety

precautions.

It

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Look for this symbol to point out important

CAUTION!!!

BECOME

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WARNING

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The engine exhaust from this product contains

chemicals

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the

State

of California

to

cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproduc- tive harm.

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