Sears 917.257643 owner manual Safety Rules, Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers

SAFETY RULES

Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers

IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS. FA{LURE 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..

•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 is clear 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 5rake, stop engine, and remove keys before d{smounting.

•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..

i1. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to toss-of-controland tipover accidents, which can resutt in severe injury or death., All slopes require extra c&ution, if you cannot back up the slope orif you feet uneasy on it, do not mow it.

DO:

°Mow up and down slopes, not across,.

•Remove obstacles such as racks, tree limbs, etco

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 mowingactivity. Neverassume that children witlremain where you last saw them.

°Keep children out ofthe mowing area and under'the watchfu_ care of another responsible adult.

•Be alert and turn machine off if children enter thff._ea.

°Before and when backing, look behind and down f_r Small children..

•Never carry chiFdren. They may fall off and be s_r_ously injured or interfere with safe machine operation.

•Never allow children to operate the machine.,

•Use extra care when approaching blind comers, 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 corrtainer..

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 stodng

°Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an objecL 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° Taft grass can hide obstacles.

•Use slow speed_ Choose a low gear so that you will not have to stop or shift wh{le on the slope.

*Fellow 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 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.

DO NOT;

°Do not turnon slopes unless necessary, andthen, turnslowly 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 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 puttingyour foot on the
	ground.
o	Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.	2

•Grass catchercomponents 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 neo- 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.

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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 rfiaking repairs.