Sears 917.25051 Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers, III. Children, II. 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.

I. 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.

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

,,Be surethe area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

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. Never assume 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.

,,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.

oBefore and when backing, look behind and down for small children,

-Never carry children. They may falt off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation.

•Never allow children to operate the machine.

-Use extra care when approaching bIind 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 coot before refueling. Do not smoke.

,,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 loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck.

II.SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tipover accide nts, 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 obstacles.

•Use stowspeed. Choose a low gear so that you 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 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.

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.

•Grass catcher 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 cut. Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.

=Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as required.

•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 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 dilch, or if an edge caves in.

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

•Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting you r foot on the ground.

portant	safety	precautions.		It		means
CAUTIONtt! BECOME			ALERT!!!			YOUR
Look for	this	symbol	to point		out im-
SAFETY	IS INVOLVED.

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.

A WARNING A

o Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.	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.