Sears 917.370721 owner manual General Operation, II. Slope Operation, III. Children, Do not

SERVICE NOTES	I. GENERAL OPERATION
	• Read, understand, and follow all
		instructions on the machine and in the
		manual(s) before starting. Be thoroughly
		familiar with the controls and the proper
		use of the machine before starting.
	•	Do not put hands or feet near or under
		rotating parts. Keep clear of the dis-
		charge opening at all times.
	• Only allow responsible individuals, who
		are familiar with the instructions, to oper-
		ate the machine.
	•	Clear the area of objects such as rocks,
		toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc., which
		could be picked up and thrown by blade.
	•	Be sure the area is clear of other people
		before mowing. Stop machine if anyone
		enters the area.
	•	Do not operate the mower when bare-
		foot or wearing open sandals. Always
		wear substantial foot wear.
	•	Do not pull mower backwards unless
		absolutely necessary. Always look down
		and behind before and while moving
		backwards.
	•	Never direct discharged material toward
		anyone. Avoid discharging material
		against a wall or obstruction. Material
		may richochet back toward the opera-
		tor. Stop the blade when crossing gravel
		surfaces.
	•	Do not operate the mower without
		proper guards, plates, grass catcher or
		other safety protective devices in place.
	• See manufacturer’s instructions for
		proper operation and installation of
		accessories. Only use accessories ap-
		proved by the manufacturer.
	•	Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel
		drives, walks, or roads.
	•	Stop the engine (motor) whenever you
		leave the equipment, before cleaning the
		mower or unclogging the chute.
	• Shut the engine (motor) off and wait until
		the blade comes to complete stop before
		removing grass catcher.
	• Mow only in daylight or good artificial
		light.
	•	Do not operate the machine while under
		the influence of alcohol or drugs.
	•	Never operate machine in wet grass.
		Always be sure of your footing: keep a
		firm hold on the handle; walk, never run.
	•	Disengage the self-propelled mech-
		anism or drive clutch on mowers so
		equipped before starting the engine.
	• If the equipment should start to vibrate
		abnormally, stop the engine (motor) and

•Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields when oper- ating mower.

II. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to slip & fall accidents which can result in severe injury. All slopes require extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.

DO:

•Mow across the face of slopes: never up and down. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.

•Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.

•Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

DO NOT:

•Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or embankments. The operator could lose footing or balance.

•Do not trim excessively steep slopes.

•Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced footing could cause slipping.

III. CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the ma- chine and the mowing activity. Never as- sume that children will remain where you last saw them.

•Keep children out of the trimming area and under the watchful care of another responsible adult.

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

•Before and while walking backwards, look behind and down for small children.

•Never allow children to operate the machine.

•Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.

IV. SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE

Use extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.

• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of ignition.

• Use only an approved container.

• Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow engine to cool before refueling.

• Never refuel the machine indoors.

• Never store the machine or fuel contain- er where there is an open flame, spark

check immediately for the cause. Vibra-

or pilot light such as a water heater or

46

tion is generally a warning of trouble.

3

on other appliances.