Craftsman 917.377431 manual Operation, Maintenance and Storage

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

•Chock fuel tank before starting engine. Do not fill gas tank indoors, when the engine is running or when 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 distractyou.

•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 pads. Keep clear of the dis- charge 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.

•Never direct discharge of material toward bystanders nor allow anyone

near the mower while you are operating it.

•Before cleaning, inspecting, or repairing your mower, 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 damage

before restarting and operating you mower.

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

•Do not operate your mower if it vibrates abnormally. Excessive vibration is an indicationof damage; stop the engine,

safely chock for the cause of vibration and repair as required.

•Do not run the engine indoors. Exhaust fumes are dangerous.

•Never cut grass by pulling the mower towards you. Mow across the face of slopes, never up and down or you might lose your footing. Do not mow excessively steep slopes. Use caution when operating the mower on uneven terrain or when changing directions --maintain good footing.

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

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:

•Chock the blade and the engine mounting bolts often to he sure they are tightened properly.

•Chock all bolts, nuts and screws at frequent intervals for proper tightness to

be sure mower is in safe working condition.

•Keep all safety devices in place and working.

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

•Chock grass catcher often for deteriora- tion and wear and replace worn bags. Use only replacement bags that are recommended by and comply with specifications of the manufacturer of your mower.

•Always keep a sharp blade on your mower.

•Allow engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.

•Never store mower with iuel in the tank

inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or an ignition source such as a hot water heater,

p_gpaCe heater, clothes dryer, etc.

CAUTION: Always disconnect spark wire and place wire wh_re it cannot

contact spark plug in order to prevent accidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs.

_eWARNING

engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of

California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

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