Sears 917.258524 Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers, 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 THROWtNG OBJECTS_

FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

I. GENERAL OPERATION

•Read, understand, and follow all instructionstn the manual and on the machlne 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 surs the area isclear of other people before mowingo Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

I!1. 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 mowingarea 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 directionand do notpoint 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 turnoff blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys before dtsmounting_

oTurn off blades when not mowing.

•Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging chute,

•Mow only in daylight or good artificial llghL

•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-controland 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:

o Mow up and down slopes, not across.

°Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etco

•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.

oFollow 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 [n speed or direction.

°Before and when backing, look behind and down for sinai( children.

oNever cam] children. They may fail off and be seriously 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 handlinggasoline and other fuels, They are flammable and vapors are explosive_

Use onfy an approved container°

Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine

running. Aliow engine to cool before refueltng_ 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 botts, tight and keep equipment tn good condition,

•Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.

°Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris bu[Id-upoClean oil or fuel spiIlage_ Allow machine to cool before stodng.

=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 catchercomponents are subjectto 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 bladesaresharpand can cut.Wrap theblade(s)or wear gloves,and use extracautionwhen servicingthem.

•Check brake operationfrequentlyAdjustand. serviceas required,

° Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction,		portant		safety precautions.			It means
disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the	1 _	CAUTIONII!			BECOME	ALERT!!! YOUR
slope_		Look	for	thls	symbol	to POint	out im'
		SAFETY		IS INVOLVED

DO NOT:

•Donot turnon slopes unlessnecessary, andthen turnslowly and gradually downhill, if poss bleo

•Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliffor ditch, or if an edge caves in_

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

°Do not tryto stabilize the machine by putting yourfoot on the ground.

•Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes,

I - CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug

_ wire and placewlre whereit cannot contact

I _spark plug in order to prevent accidental

i,m starting when setting up, transporting,

		adjusting	or making repairs.
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WARNING A

The engine exhaust from this product con- tains cliemicals known to the State of Califor-

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

2	II
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