Craftsman 917.259172 Lawn Mower User Manual


 
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SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE lS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING 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 allinstructions in themanual
and on themachinebeforestarting
Only allow responsibleadults, who are familiarwith the
instructions,to operatethemachine°
Clear the area of objectssuch as rocks, toys,wire, etc.,
which could bepicked up and thrown by the blade.
Besure theareaisclearofotherpeoplebeforemowing Stop,
machine if anyone entersthe area.
Never carry passengers°
Donotmow inreverseunlessabsolutelynecessary.Always
lookdown and behindbeforeandwhilebacking
Be aware ofthe mowerdischargedirectionanddo notpoint
it at anyone, Do not operatethe mowerwithouteitherthe
entiregrasscatcheror theguardin place.
Slowdownbefore turning°
Neverleave a runningmachineunattended.Always turnoff
blades, set parkingbrake, stopengine, and removekeys
beforedismounting_
Turn offblades whennotmowing.
° Stop enginebefore removinggrasscatcheror unclogging
chute
- Mowonlyindaylightorgoodartificiallight
Do not operate the machinewhileunder the influenceof
alcoholordrugs
Watchfor trafficwhenoperatingnearorcrossingroadways.
Useextracarewhenloading or unloadingthemachine into
a trailerortruck.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and
tipover accidents, which can result in severe injury or
death. All slopes requite extra caution, If you cannot back
up the slope or' if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.
DO:
° Mow up and down slopes, not across=
- Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc_
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 wiltnot have
to stop or shift while on the slope.
Follow 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 inspeed or' direction..
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction,
disengage the blades and proceed slowfy straight down the
slope.
DO NOT:
° Donot turnon slopes unless necessary, and then, turnslowfy
and gradually downhill, if possible._
Do not mow near drop-oils, ditches, or embankments.. The
mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel isover the edge
of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves ino
Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause
sliding.
° Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the
ground.
° Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.
!!1. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur ifthe 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 fast saw them.
= Keepchildrenoutofthemowingareaand underthewatchful
careofanother responsible adult°
= Be alert and turn machine off ifchildren enter the area.
° Before and when backing, look behind and downfor sma!_
children,
Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously
injured or interfere with safe machine operation.
° Never allow children to operate the machine.
° Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
IV. SERVICE
° Use extra care inhandling 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, AIEowengine 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 ofgrass, leaves, or other debris build-up.
Clean oil or fuel spiElage.. 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 towear, 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 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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iA o ooou
safety precautions_ It means
CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERTII! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
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i _ CAUTION: AIwaysdisconnect sparkplug
wire and place wire where it cannot contact
spark plug in order to prevent accidental
starting when setting up, transporting,
adjusting or making repairs.
I,IHILIIlU 1,1,11,,11111111
WARNING A
The engine exhaust from this product contains
chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproduc-
tive harm.