Craftsman 917.289280 manual General Operation

_DANGER: 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.

_WARNING: in orderto preventaccidental starting when setting up, transporting, ad- justing or making repairs, always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot

contact spark	plug.
_WARNING:	Do not coast down a hill in

neutral, you may lose control of the tractor.

_WARNING: Tow only the attachments that are recommended by and comply with specifications of the manufacturer of your tractor. Use common sense when towing. Operate only at the lowest possible speed when on a slope. Too heavy of a load, while

on a slope, is dangerous. Tires can lose traction with the ground and cause you to lose control of your tractor.

_,WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its

constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects

or other reproductive harm.

_WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead

compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects

or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

I. GENERAL OPERATION

,Read, understand, and follow allinstruc- tions 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.

oOnly 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 bystanders

before operating. 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.

•Never direct discharged materialtoward

anyone. Avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction. Material may ricochet back toward the operator. Stop the blades when crossing gravel surfaces.

•Do notoperate machinewithoutthe entire grass catcher, discharge guard, or other safety devices in place and working.

•Slow down before turning.

•Never leave a running machine unat-

tended. 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 cleaning 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 carewhen loading orunloading the machine into a trailer or truck.

•Always wear eye protection when operat- ing machine.

•Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above, are involved in a large percentage of riding mower-related inju- ries. 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 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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