Craftsman 917.273642 manual General Operation

IMPORTANT:This cutting machine is capableof amputatinghandsand feet and throw- ing objects.Failureto observethe followingsafetyinstructionscould result in serious injury or death.

_i WARNING: In orderto preventac-

cidentalstarting when setting up,trans- porting, adjustingor makingrepairs,al- ways disconnectspark plugwire and place wire where it cannot contactspark plug.

_WARNING: Do not coastdowna hill in neutral,you maylose controlof the tractor. _WARNING: Towonly the attachments

that are recommendedby and complywith specificationsof the manufacturerof your tractor.Use commonsense whentowing.

Operateonly at the lowestpossiblespeed when on a slope. Tooheavyof a load, while on a slope, is dangerous. Tires can

lose tractionwith the ground and cause you to lose controlof your tractor.

_WARNING: Engineexhaust,some of its constituents,and certainvehicle com-

ponentscontainor emit chemicalsknown to the Stateof Californiato cause cancer

and birth defectsor other reproductive harm.

WARNING:Battery posts,terminals and relatedaccessoriescontainleadand

lead compounds,chemicalsknownto the State of Californiato causecancerand

birth defectsor other reproductiveharm. Wash hands after handling.

I. GENERAL OPERATION

•Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the

manual before starting.

•Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the machine. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.

•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 blades.

•Be sure the area is clear of bystand- ers before operating. 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.

•Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction. Material may ricochet back toward the operator. Stop the blades when cross- ing gravel surfaces.

•Do not operate machine without the entire grass catcher, discharge guard, or other safety devices in place and working.

•Slowdown before turning.

•Never leave a running machine

unattended. Always turn off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys before dismounting.

•Disengage blades when not mowing. Shut off engine and wait for all parts to come to a complete stop before clean- ing the machine, removing the grass catcher, or unclogging the discharge guard.

•Operate machine 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 unload- ing the machine into a trailer or truck.

•Always wear eye protection when oper- ating machine.

•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

injury.

•Follow the manufacturer's recommen- dation for wheel weights or counter- weights.

•Keep machine free of grass, leaves or other debris build-up which can touch hot exhaust / engine parts and burn.

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.

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