Craftsman 917.3773 Safety Rules, A Warning A, Safe Operation Practices for Walk-BehindMowers

SAFETY RULES

Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Mowers &

IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE iS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJEGTS_

FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

SAFETY STANDARDS REQUIRE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLS TO MINIMIZE THE RISK OF INJURY. YOUR UNIT IS

EQUIPPED WITH SUCH CONTROLS. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DEFEAT THE FUNCTION OF THE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.

TRAINING:

•Read this operator'smanuai carefully. Become familiar with

the controls and know how to operate your mower properly. Learn how to quickly stop mower.

-Do not allow children to use your mower. Never allow adults to use mower without proper instructions.

•Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, especially small children and pets.

Use mower only as the manufacturer intended and as de- scribed in this manual.

•Do not operate mower if it has been dropped or damaged in any manner. Always have damage repaired before using your mower.

•Do not use accessory attachments that are not recommended

by the manufacturer. Use of such attachments may be hazardous.

•The blade turns when the engine is running.

PREPARATION:

•Always thoroughly check the area to be mowed and clear it of all stones, sticks, wires, bones, and other foreign objects, These objects will be thrown by the blade and can cause severe injury,

•Always wear safety glasses or eye shields when starting and while using your mower.

•Dress properly. Do not operate mower when barefoot or wearing open sandals. Wear only solid shoes with good traction when mowing.

-Check fuel tank before starting engine, Do not fill gas tank indoors, when the engine is running orwhen the engine is hot. Allow the engine to cool for several minutes before filling the gas tank. Clean off any spilled gasoline before starting the engine,

•Always make wheel height adjustments before starting your mower. Never attempt to do this while the engine is running.

•Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

OPERATION:

•Keep your eyes and mind on your mower and the area being cut. Do not let other interests distract you.

•Do not mow wet or slippery grass. Never run while operating your mower. Always be sure of your footing - keep a firm hold on the handles and walk,

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

•Always stop the engine whenever you leave or are not using your mower, or before crossing driveways, walks, roads, and any gravel-covered areas.

oNever direct discharge of material toward bystanders nor attow anyone near the mower while you are operating it.

•Before cleaning, inspecting, or repaidng your mowe r, stop the engine and make absolutely sure the blade and all moving parts have stopped. Then disconnect the spark plug wire and keep it away from the spark plug to prevent accidental starting.

•Do not continue to run your mower if you hit a foreign object. Follow the procedure outlined above, then repair any dam- age before restarting and operating you mower.

•Do not change the governor settings or overspeed the engine. Engine damage or personal injury may result.

• Do notoperate your mower if it vibrates abnormally. Exces-

sive vibration is an indication of damage; stop the engine, safely check for the cause of vibration and repair as required.

•Do not run the engine indoors. Exhaust fumes are danger- ous.

•Never cut grass by pulling the mower towards you. Mow across the face of slopes, never up and down or you might

Ioseyourfooting. Donotmowexcessivelysteepslopes. Use caution when operating the mower on uneven terrain orwhen changing directions - maintain good footing.

•Never operate your mower without proper guards, plates, grass catcher or other safety devices in place.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:

•Check the blade and the engine mounting bolts often to be sure they are tightened properly.

°Check all bolts, nuts and screws at frequent intervals for

proper tightness to be sure mower is in safe working condi- tion.

•Keep atl safety devices in place and working.

•To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free of grass, leaves or excessive grease and oil.

°Check grass catcher often for deterioration and wear and replace worn bags. Use ony replacement bags that are recommended by and comply with specifications of the manufacturer of your mower.

•Always keep a sharp blade on your mower.

•AIIow engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.

•Never store mower with fuel in the tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or an ignition source

such as a hot water heater, space heater, clothes dryer, etc.

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i _ CAUTION: Always disconnect spark

I_JL plug wire and place wire where it can-

I _not contact spark plug in order to pre-

I Uvent accidental starting when setting

!up, transporting, adjusting or making

Irepairs........

A WARNING A

The engine exhaust from this product con- tains chemicals known to the State of Califor- nia to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.