Sears 917.257462 Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers, II. Slope Operation, III. Children

&	SAFETY RULES	&
	Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers

IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OFAMPUTATING 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 sure the area isclear 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 behin:l 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 loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck.

II.SLOPE OPERATION

Slopesare a major factor related to loss-of-controland tipover accidents,which can resultin severe injuryor death. All slopes requireextracaution. Ifyoucannotbackup theslopeor ifyoufeel uneasyon it, do not mow it.

DO:

•Mow up and downslopes,not across.

•Remove obstaclessuch as rocks,tree limbs,etc.

•Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tallgrasscan hide obstacles.

•Useslow speed. Choosea lowgear sothatyou willnothave to stopor shiftwhileon the slope.

III. CHILDREN

Tragic accidentscan occur if the operator is not alert to the presenceof children.Childrenare oftenattractedto themachine and themowingactivity. Neverassumethatchildrenwillremain where you last saw them.

•Keep childrenoutofthe mowingarea andunderthe watchful care of another responsibleadult.

•Be alert and turnmachineoff if childrenenter the area.

•Beforeand when backing,look behindand downfor small children.

•Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously

Injuredor interferewiththe safe machineoperation.

•Never allowchildrento operatethe machine.

•Use extra care when approachingblind corners,shrubs, trees, or otherobjectsthat may obscurevision.

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.

•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 nec- essary.

•	Followthemanufacturer'srecommendationsforwheelweights	•	Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or
	or counterweightsto improvestability.
			wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.
• Use extra care with grass catchersor other attachments.
		•	Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as
	These can changethe stabilityof the machine.
			required.

•Keep all movementon the slopesslowand gradual. Do not make suddenchangesin speed or direction.

•Avoid startingor stoppingon a slope. If tires lose traction,

disengagethe blades and proceedslowlystraightdownthe slope.

DO NOT:

•Donot tumon slopesunlessnecessary,and then, tumslowly aria graouallydownhill,If possible.

•Do not mow near drop-offs,ditches,or embankments. The mowercould suddenlyturnover ifa wheel isoverthe edge of a cliffor ditch,or if an edge caves in.

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

•Do not tryto stabilizethe machinebyputtingyourfoot on the ground.

•Do not use grass catcheron steepslopes.

Look for this symbol to p.gint out Impor-

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

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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