Sears 917.251551 manual General Operation, I1. Slope Operation, Iii. Children

SAFETY RULES

Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers A

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 machinebeforestarting.

•Only allow respons{bleadults, who are familiar with the instructions,to operate the machine.

•Clear the area of objectssuch as rocks,toys, wire, etc, whichcouldbe pickedup and thrownbythe blade.

•Besurethe areaisclear ofotherpeoplebefore mowing. Stop machineif anyone entersthe area.

•Never carry passengers

•Do not mow in reverseunlessabsolutelynecessary Always lookdownand behindbeforeand whilebacking.

•Be aware ofthe mower dischargedirectionand do notpoint it at anyone. Do not operatethe mowerwithouteitherthe entire grass catcheror the guard in place_

•Slow downbeforeturning.

•Never leave a runningmachine unattended_Alwaysturnoff

blades, set parkingbrake, stop engine,and remove keys beforedismounting.

•Turn offblades when not mowing.

•Stop engine before removinggrasscatcher or unclogging chute_

•Mow onlyin daylightor goodartificiatlight.

•Do not operate the machinewhile under the influenceof alcoholor drugs.

•Watch fortrafficwhen operatingnear or crossingroadways_

•Use extracare when loadingor unloadingthe machine into a trailer or truck_

I1. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and 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 obstacles.

°Use slow speed. 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 aUmovement 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.

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 adul[

•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 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 spillageo AUow 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'srecommended parts, when nero 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°

	.............t,ook for	ihis	symbol	to point out im-
A	CAUTIONH!		BECOME	ALERT!!!		YOUR
	portant	safety precautions.			It	means
	SAFETY	IS INVOLVED.
, , ,, ,,,	,,,, ,,,, ,, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

DO NOT:

•Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowiy and gradually downhill, if possible.

•Do not mow near drop-otis, 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 try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground.

°Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.

CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug A wire and place wire where it cannot contact

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

A WARNING

The engine exhaust from this product con- tains chemicals known to the State of Cahfor-

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

2