Craftsman 917.27223 Lawn Mower User Manual


 
IMPORTANT:Thiscuttingmachineiscapableofamputatinghandsandfeet and
throwingobjects. Failure to observe the followingsafety instructionscould resultin
sedous injury or death.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
Read, understand, and follow all
instructionsin 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 couldbe picked
up and thrown by the bade.
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 abso-
lutely necessary. Always leek down
and behind before and while backing.
Be aware of the mower discharge
directionand 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 fuming.
Never leave a running machine
unattended. Always turn off blades, set
_arking brake, stop engine, and remove
eys before dismounting.
Tum 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 intoa trailer or
truck.
Data indicates that operators, age 60
i/aearsand above, are involved in a
rge percentage of dding mower-
related injudes. These ol_erators
should evaluate their abihty to operate
the dding mower safely enough to
protectthemselves and othersfrom
serious injury.
Keep machine free of grass, leaves or
other debris build-up which can touch
hot exhaust / engine parts and bum.
Do not allow the mower deck to plow
leaves or other debris which can cause
build-upto occur. Clean any oil or fuel
spillage before operating or stodng the
machine. Allowmachine to cool before
storage.
I1.SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a majorfactor related to loss-of-
control and tipover accidents, which can
result in severe in ury or death. All slopes
require extra cauton. f you caneot 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 ob-
stacles.
Use slow speed. Choose a low gear
so that you willnot have to stop or shift
while on the slope.
Follow the manufacturer's recommen-
dations for wheel weights or counter-
weights to improve stability.
Use extra care with grass catchers or
other attachments. These can change
the stabilityof the machine.
Keep all movement on the slopes slow
and gradual Do not make sudden
changes in speed or direction.
Avoid starting or stoppingon a slope. If
tires lose traction, disengage the
blades and proceed slowly straight
down the slope.
DO NOT:
Do not turn on slopes unless neces-
sary, and then, turn sloWlyand gradu-
ally downhill, if possible.
Do not mow near drep-offs, ditches, or
embankments. The mower could
suddenly turnover if a wheel is over
the edge of a cliffor ditch,or if anedge
caves in.
De not mow on wet grass. Reduced
traction could cause sliding.
Do not try to stabilizethe machine by
putting your foot on the ground.
Do not use grass catcher on steep
slopes.