Sears 917.25147 owner manual Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers, 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 me instructions, to operate the machine.

Clear the area of objects such as rOCKS toys wire etc. which could be picked up ann thrown oy the blade,

Be sure the area is clear of other eeoole 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 anG while backing

Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not eolnt it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without either the entire grass catcher or the guara in place

Slow down before turning.

Never leave a running machine unattenaea Always turn off blades, set parking brak_/stoe engine, al"_ remove Keys before dismounting.

Turn off blades when not mowing.

Stop engine before removing grass catcner or unclogging chute.

Mow only in daylight or good artificial lignt

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

Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roaaways.

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

II, SLOPE OPERATION

ill. 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.

Keeo children out of the mowing area and under the watchful ;are of anomer responsible adult.

Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.

Before and when backing, ook behind and down for small children.

Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously njured or interfere with sate machine operauon.

Never a! ow children to operate the machine.

Use extra care t,,nen approaching blind corners, shrubs. trees, or other o_.ects that may obscure vision.

iV. SERVICE

Use extra care _nnanaHng gasoline and other fuels. The are flammable and vapors are exeloslve.

Use only an approved container.

Never remove gas cad or and fuel witt" the engine running. Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do not smoke.

Never refuel the mscn_ne indoors.

Never store the m_cn_ne or fuel container inside wnere there is an penn flame such as a water heater.

Never run a machine inside a c!osed area.

Keep nuts and DOltS.especially blade attachment bolts, t_gnt anc_Keep eou_omen[ _ngooa c Dnd_hon

Never _amper w_tr safet, 3ewces. Check tnelr proper

Slopes are a major factor "elated to toss-of-control ann tipover accident,, which can result in severe injury or seam. All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back uo me 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 terrair could

overturn the machine. Tafl grass can hide obstacles.

Use slow speed. Choose a low gear _a that you will net have to stop or shift while on the slope.

Follow the manufacturer's recommenaations for wheel weights or counterweights to _mprove s[ao_l_ty

Use extra care with grass catchers or other attacnmems These can change the stability of the macnme

Keep all movement on the sfc Des stow ann graou_ Do not make sudden changes in speea or o_receon

Avoid starting or stopping on a slope f tires lose traction disengage the blades and oroceea s_ow_ysrratghtdown me slope.

DO NOT:

Do not turn on slopes unless necessar_, ann men. turn SlOWly and gradually downhill, if possible

Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or emuanKmems The mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves _r

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

Do not try to stabilize the machine b_. 3using your foot on the ground.

Do not use grass catcher on s_eee sic ses

operation regu_any.

Keep machine free of grass eaves, or other debris build-up.

Clean oil or rue spillage Allow machine to cool before stonng.

Stop and respect the equipment if you strike an object Repair, if necessary, betore restarting.

Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running.

Grass catcher components are subject to wear. damage, and deterioration, which coulo expose mowng parts or allow objects to be thrown. Freaueetly check components and reelace with manufacturer's recommended Darts. when nec-

essary.

Mower biases are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade,s or wear g__ves ann use extra caution when servicing them

Check brake operation freouently Adjust and service as reau_rea

		Look for this symbol to point out im-
		portant	safety		precautions.	It means
		CAUTION!!!		BECOMEALERT!!!		YOUR
		SAFETY	IS	iNVOLVED.
		d place wire where it cannot contact
		plug in order to prevent accidental
_		staring	when		setting up, transporting,
_	--	....				=

A WARNING

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.