Craftsman 917.270962 Slope Operation, Blades and proceed slowly straight, Do not, Children

•Slowdown beforeturning.

•Neverleavea runningmachine unattended.Alwaysturn off blades,set parkingbrake,stop engine,and removekeysbeforedismounting.

•Turnoff bladeswhen notmowing.

•Stop enginebeforeremovinggrass catcheror uncloggingchute.

•Mow only in daylightor good artificial light.

•Do not operatethe machinewhile underthe influenceof alcoholor drugs.

•Watchfor traffic whenoperatingnear or crossingroadways.

•Use extracare when loadingor

unloadingthe machineinto a trailer or truck.

•Dataindicatesthat operators,age 60 years and above,are involvedin a largepercentageof ridingmower- relatedinjuries.These operators shouldevaluatetheir abilityto operate

the ridingmowersafely enoughto protectthemselvesand othersfrom seriousinjury.

SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to Ioss-

ef-contro_ 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. Uneven terrain could overturn the

machine. Tall grass can hide ob- stacles.

•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

down the slope.

DO NOT:

•Do not turn on slopes unless neces- sary, and then, turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.

•Do not mow near drop-otis, 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 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

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 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 machine.

•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 engine 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

3area.