Craftsman 917.28746 Ii. Slope Operation, Iv. Towing, V. Service, Iii. Children, General, @~~~~

SAFETY RULES SAFETY RULES

II. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. Opera- tion on all slopes requires extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.

• Mow up and down slopes; not across.

Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or

either hidden objects. Uneven terrain

could overturn the machine. Tall grass

can hide obstacles.

• Choose a low ground speed so that you

will not have to stop or shift while on the

slope.

• Do not mow on wet grass. Tires may

lose traction.

Always keep the machine in gear when

going down slopes. Do not shift to neu-

tral and coast downhill.

• Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a

slope. If the tires lose traction, disen-

gage the blades and proceed slowly

straight down the slope.

• Keep all movement on the slopes slow

and gradual. Do not make sudden

changes in speed or direction, which

could cause the machine to roll over.

• Use extra care while operating machine

. with grass catchers or other attach-

• Never carry children, even with the

•

Remove gas-powered equipment from

•

Keep machine

free of grass,

leaves, or

blades

shutoff.

They may fall off and

the truck

or trailer and

refuel

it on the

other debris

build-up.

Clean

oil or fuel

be seriously injured or interfere with

ground.

If this

is not possible,

then

. spillage and remove any fuel-soaked

safe machine operation. Children who

refuel such equipment

with

a portable

debris.

Allow

machine to cool

before

have been given rides in the past may

container,

rather than

from

a gasoline

storing.

suddenly appear in the mowing area for

dispenser

nozzle.

•

If you strike

a foreign

object,

stop

and

another ride and be run over or backed

I

•

Keep the nozzle in contact

with the rim

inspect

the machine.

Repair,

if neces-

over by the machine.

of the fuel tank

or container

opening

at

sary, before

restarting.

•

Never

allow children to operate the

or repairs

machine.

all times

until fueling is complete. Do

not

Never make

any adjustments

use a nozzle lock-open device.

with the engine running.

• Use extra care when approaching blind

If fuel is spilled

on clothing,

change

Check grass

catcher

components

and

corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects

clothing

immediately.

the discharge

guard

frequently

and re-

that may block your view of a child.

Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas cap

place with manufacturer's

recommended

IV. TOWING

and tighten

securely.

parts, when

necessary.

•

Tow only with a machine

that has a

GENERAL

SERVICE

•

Mower blades

are sharp.

Wrap the

hitch designed for towing.

Do not attach

•

Never operate

machine in a closed area.

blade or wear

gloves,

and use extra cau-

towed

equipment

except

at the hitch

•

Keep all nuts and bolts tight to be sure

tion when servicing them.

point.

the equipment

is in safe working condi-

Check

brake

operation

frequently.

Adjust

•

Follow the manufacturer's

recommenda.

tion.

and service

as required.

tion for weight limits for towed equip-

•

Never tamper with safety devices.

Maintain or replace safety and instruc-

•

ment and towing

on slopes.

Chec~ their proper operation

regularly.

tion labels, as necessary.

Never

allow children or others in or on

towed

equipment.

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V. SERVICE

• On slopes, the weight of the towed

equipment may cause loss of traction and loss of control.

• Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.

ments; they can affect the stability of the

machine. Do no use on steep slopes.

• Do not try to stabilize the machine by

putting your foot on the ground.

• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches,

or embankments. The machine could

suddenly roll over if a wheel is over the

edge or if the edge caves in.

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 in the watchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator.

•Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the area.

•Before and while backing, look behind and down for small children.

SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE

To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.

•Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources of ignition.

•Use only approved gasoline container. Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow engine to cool before refueling.

•Never fuel the machine indoors.

•Never store the machine or fuel con- tainer where there is an open flame, spark, or pilot light such as on a water heater or other appliances.

•Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer bed with plastic liner. Always place containers on the ground away from your vehicle when filling.

•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 carry children, even with the

blades shut off. They may fall off and

. be seriously injured or interfere with

safe machine operation. Children who have been given rides in the past may suddenly appear in the mowing area for another ride and be run over or backed over by the machine.

•Keep children out .of the mowing area and in the watchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator.

•Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the area.

•Before and while backing, look behind and down for small children.

•Mow up and down slopes (150 Max), not across.

•Choose a low ground speed so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope .

•Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If the tires lose traction, disen- gage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope.

If machine stops while going uphill, disengage blades, shift into reverse and back down slowly.

•Do not turn on slopes unless neces- sary, and then, turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible .

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