Sears 917.249491 owner manual Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers, IL Slope Operation

SAFETY RULES

Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers

IMPORTANT: 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,

GENERAL OPERATION

Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual and on the machine before starting

Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the instructions, to operate the machine

Ctear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc, which could be picked up and thrown by the blade.

Be sure the area +sclear of other people 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 place

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 traffic when operating near or crossing roadways

Use extra care when Ioad!ng or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck

IL SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to loss+of-control and tipover accidents, which can result in severe in ury or death. All slopes

requireextracaution Ifyoucannotbackuptheslopeor fyoufeel uneasy on it, do not mow it

DO:

Mow up and down slopes, not across

Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc

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 Neverassume that children will remain where you last saw them

Keep children out of 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, took behind and down for small children

Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with the 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 gasoline and 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

Never 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 regularly

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

Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object Repair, if necessary, before restarting,

Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running

Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps+ Uneven terrain could overturn the machine Tafl grass can hide obstacles.

Use slew speed Choose a low gear so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope

•Followthe man ufacturer'srecommendations for wheel weights or counterweights to improve stability

Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments These can change the stability of the machine

Keep all movement on the slopes slowand 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 turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly end gradually downhill, if possible

Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. "['he 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 g+:ass Reduced traction could cause

sliding

Do not try to siabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground

Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes

Grass catche+ components are subject to wear, damage, and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow

objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and replace with manufacturer s recommended parts, when nec-

essary

Mower blades are sharp and can cuL Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them

Check brake operation frequently Adjust and service as required

tant safety precautions. It means CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!If YOUR

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SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot contact spark plug in order to prevent accidental starting when setting up,

transporting, adjusting or making repairs.

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