Craftsman 917.27103 owner manual Slope Operation, Do not, Children, Service

oTurn off blades when not mowing. o Stop engine before removing grass

catcher or uncloggingchute.

• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

o Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

o Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways.

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

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:

o Mow up and down slopes, not across. o 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.

o 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 s_ow and gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction.

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

DO NOT:

o Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly and gradually downhill, ff possible.

o 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 couid cause sliding,

•Do not try 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.

o 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 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- ment 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 oi! or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool before

storing°

=Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object. Repair, if necessary,