Craftsman 917.270822 owner manual Slope Operation, Children, Service, Do not

•Never leave a running machine unat- tended. Always turn off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and re- move 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.

•Do not operate the machine while un- der the influence of alcohol or drugs.

•Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways.

•Use extra care when loading or un- loading the machine into a trailer or truck.

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

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 it.

DO:

•	Mow	up	and down			slopes,	not across.
•	Remove		obstacles			such as rocks,		tree
	limbs,	etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Un-
	even terrain could overturn the ma-
	chine. 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			recommen-
	dations for wheel weights or counter-
	weights		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

DO NOT:

•Do notturn on slopes unless neces- sary, and then, turn slowly and gradual- ly downhill, if possible.

•Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The mower could sud- denly 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 nottry to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground.

•Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.

CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator

is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the ma-

chine and the mowing activity. Never as- sume that children will 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.

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

•Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation.

•Never allow children to operate the ma- chine.

•Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.

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. Allow en-

gine 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 equip-

down the slope.

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ment in good condition.