SAFETY RULES

_it Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers &

IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE tS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT iN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

I.GENERAL OPERATION

Read, understand, and follow all instructionsin the manual and on the machine before starting_

Only 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 blade°

Besure the areais clear of otherpeople before mowing_ 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.

Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without either the entire grass catcher or the guard in ptace.

Slow down before turning.

Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys before dismounting_

Turn off blades when not mowing

,,Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging chute.

Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs..

Watch for trafficwhen operating near or crossing roadways.

Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck.

I1, SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to toss-of-controland tipover accidents, which can result in severe injury or death_ All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.

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 overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacies

Use slow speed.. Choose a low gear so thatyou will not have to stop or shift while on the slope.

Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel weights or counterweights to improve stability.

Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachment& These can change the stability of the machine.

!11. 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.

Keepchildren outof 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 gasolineand other fuels They are flammable and vapors are explosive.

Use only an approved container.

Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine

running. Allow engine to cool before refueling Do not smoke,

Never refuel the machine indoors

Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an open flame, such as a water heater.

oNever 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 regularty_

Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or'other'debris build-up_ Clean oil or fuel spillage Allow machine to cool before storing

eStop 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 aJlow objecls to be thrown. Frequently check components and replace with manufacturer's recommended pads. when nec- essary_

Mower bfades 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

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

Avoid starting or stopping on a slope, if tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope..

DO NOT:

Do not turnon slopes unless necessary, and then, turnslowly 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 if an edge caves in.

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

Do not trytostabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground

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CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it can not contact spark plug in order'to prevent accidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs.

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Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes..

"l'he engine exhaust from this product con-

tains cliemicals known to the State of Califor-

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repr°ductive harm.

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Craftsman 917O251550 owner manual It Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers, I1, Slope Operation, Reprductive harm