Craftsman 917.274953 manual Do not, III. Children, IV. Service

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 overtum 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 recommenda- tions for wheel weights or counter- weights to improve stability.

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

•Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction.

•Avoid starting or stoppingon a slope. If tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the

slope.

DO NOT:

•Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly and gradually 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 ifan edge caves in.

•Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding.

•Do not try to stabilize the machine by puttingyour foot on the ground.

•Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.

III. 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.

IV. SERVICE

•Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They are flammable and vapors are explosive.

-Useonly an approved container.

-Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do not smoke.

-Neverrefuel 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 equipment in good condition.

•Never tamper with safety devices.

Check their proper operation regularly.

•Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other dabris build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool before storing.

•Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.

•Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running.

•Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage, and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and replace with manufacturer'srecommended parts, when necessary.

•Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.

•Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as required.

4