Craftsman 917.27242 General Operation, Clean any oil or fuel, Storage, II. Slope Operation

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, undemtand, and follow all instructions in the manual and on the

machine before starling.

•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 picked up and thrown by the blade.

•Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

•Never carry passengers.

•Do not mow in reverse unless abso-

lutely necessary. Always 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.

•Never leave a running machine unattended. Always 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.

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

•Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways.

•Use extra care when loading or unloading 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- related injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability to operate the riding mower safely enough to protect themselves and othem 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

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. 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 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 gradu- ally 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 eaves 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.