Craftsman 917.27224 manual General Operation, II. Slope Operation

IMPORTANT:Thiscuttingmachineiscapableofamputatinghandsand 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 instructionsin 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 couldbe picked up and thrown by the blade.

•Be sure the area is cleer of other people

before mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

•Never carry passengers.

•Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while backing.

•Be aware of the mower discharge directionand do not point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower withouteither the entire grass catcher or the guard in place.

•Slow down before turning.

•Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turnoff blades, set

perking 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.

•0o not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

•Watch for trafilc when operatingnear or crossing roadways.

•Use extra care when loading or unload- ing 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#elated injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability to operate the riding mower safely enough to protect them- salves and others from serious injury.

•Keep machine free of grass, leaves or other debris build-up which can touch hot exhaust / engine parts and bum, Do not allow the mower deck to plow leaves or other debris which can cause build- up to occur. Clean any oil or fuel spillage before operating or storing the machine. Allow machine to cool before

storage.

II. SLOPE OPERATION

SIopee are a ma_orfactor related to toss--of-control and tipover accidents, which can re- suil 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 dopes, not across.

•Remove obstacles such as rocks,tree limbs,etc.

Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Ta//

grass can hide obstac/es.

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 recommenda- tions for wheel weights or counter-

weights to improve stability.

Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. These can change the stabilityof the machine.

Keep all movement on the dopes stow and gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction.

Avoid sta_ng or stoppingon a slope. If tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straightdown the

slope.

DO NOT:

•Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slewiy and gradually downhill, if possible.

•Do notmow near drepoffs, ditches,or embankments. The mower coule suddenly turn over If a wheal is over the edge of a cliffor ditch,or if an edge caves _.

•DO notmow on wet grass. Reduced tractioncould cause sliding.

•Oo net try to stabilizethe machiee by putting your foot on the ground.

•Do notuse grass catcher on steep slopes.