Sears 917.373981 owner manual Training, Preparation, Operation, Maintenance Storage

SAFETY RULES

PLUG TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL STARTING WHEN SETFING UP, TRANSPORTING, ADJUSTING OR MAKING

CAUTION: ALWAYS DISCONNECTSPARK PLUGWIRE ANDPLACEWlRE WHERE IT CANNOT CONTACT SPARK &

REPA,RSIMPORTANT

SAFETY STANDARDS REQUIRE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLS TO MINIMIZE THE RISK OF INJURY. YOUR UNIT IS EQUIPPED WITH

SUCH CONTROLS. DO NOT A'I-rEMPT TO DEFEAT THE FUNCTION OF THE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLS UNDER ANY CIRCUM-

STANCES,

TRAINING:

Read this operator'smanual carefully. Become familiar with the controls and know how to operate your mower properly. Learn-how to quickly stop mower.

Do not allowchildren to use yourmower. Never allowadults to use mower withoutproperinstructions.

Keep the area of operationclear of all persons,especially small childrenand pets.

Use mower only as the manufacturer intended and as de- scribed in this manual.

Do notoperate mower ifit has been droppedor damagedin any manner. Always have damage repaired beforeusing

your mower.

Do notuse accessoryattachmentsthat are notrecommended by the manufacturer. Use of such attachments may be hazardous.

Be aware that the blade turns when the engine is running.

PREPARATION:

•Always thoroughly check the area to be mowed and clear it of all stones, sticks, wires, bones, and other foreign objects. These objects will be thrown by the blade and can cause severe injury.

Always wear safety glasses or eye shields when starting and while using your mower.

Dress propedy. Do not operate mower when barefoot or wearing open sandals. Wear only solid shoes with good traction when mowing.

•Check fuel tank before starting engine. Do not fill gas tank indoors, when the engine is running orwhen the engine is hot. Allow the engine to cool for several minutes before filling the gas tank. Clean off any spilled gasoline before starting the engine.

Alwaysmake wheel heightadjustments before startingyour mower. Never attemptto dothiswhilethe engineisrunning.

Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

OPERATION:

Keep your eyes and mind on your mower and the area being cut. Do not let other interests distract you.

Do not mow wet or slippery grass. Never run while operating your mower. Always be sure of your footing - keep a firm hold on the handles and walk.

Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.

Always stop the blade whenever you leave or are not using your mower, or before crossing ddveways, walks, roads, and any gravel-covered areas.

Never direct discharge of matadal toward bystanders nor allow anyone near the mower while you are operating it.

Before cleaning, inspecting, or repairing your mower, stop the engine and make absolutely sure the blade and all moving parts have stopped. Then disconnect the spark plug wire and keep it away from the spark plug to prevent accidental starting.

•Do not continue to run your mower it you hit a foreign object. Follow the procedure outlined above, then repair any dam- age before restarting and operating you mower.

•Do not change the governor settings or overspeed the engine. Engine damage or personal injury may result.

Do not operate your mower if it vibrates abnormally. Exces- sive vibration is an indication of damage; stop the engine, safely check for the cause of vibration and repair as required.

Do not run the engine indoors. Exhaust fumes are danger- ous.

•Never cut grass by pulling the mower towards you. Mow across the face of slopes, never up and down or you might

lose your footing. Do not mow excessively steep slopes.

Use caution when operating the mower on uneven terrain or when changing directions - maintain good footing.

Never operate your mower without proper guards, plates, grass catcher or other safety devices in place.

MAINTENANCE		AND STORAGE:
.	Check the blade and the engine mounting bolts often to be
	sure they are tightened properly.
	Check all bolts, nuts and screws at frequent intervals for
	proper tightness to be sure mower is in safe working condi-
	tion.
	Keep all safety devices in place and working.
	To reduce firs hazard, keep the engine free of grass, leaves
	or excessive grease and oil.
	Check grass catcher often for deterioration and wear and
	replace worn bags. Use only replacement bags that are
	recommended by and comply with specifications of the
	manufacturer	of your mower.

Always keep a sharp blade on your mower.

Allow engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.

Never store mower with fuel in the tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or an ignition source such as a hotwater heater, space heater, clothes dryer, etc.

LOOKMEANSFORIT- THISATi'ENTION!!!SYMBOL TOBECOMEPOINT OUTALERT!!!tIMPORTANTYOUR SAFETY ISPRECAUTIONSINVOLVED. .

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