Craftsman 917.273642 Lawn Mower User Manual


 
IMPORTANT:This cutting machineis capableof amputatinghandsand feet and throw-
ing objects.Failureto observethe followingsafetyinstructionscould result inserious
injury or death.
_i WARNING: In orderto preventac-
cidentalstarting when setting up,trans-
porting, adjustingor makingrepairs,al-
ways disconnectspark plugwire and place
wire where it cannot contactspark plug.
_WARNING: Do not coastdowna hill in
neutral,you maylose controlof the tractor.
_WARNING: Towonly the attachments
that are recommendedby and complywith
specificationsof the manufacturerof your
tractor.Use commonsense whentowing.
Operateonly at the lowestpossiblespeed
when on a slope. Tooheavyof a load,
while on a slope, is dangerous. Tires can
lose tractionwith the ground and cause
you to lose controlof your tractor.
_WARNING: Engineexhaust,some of
its constituents,and certainvehiclecom-
ponentscontainor emit chemicalsknown
to the Stateof Californiato cause cancer
and birth defectsor other reproductive
harm.
WARNING:Battery posts,terminals
and relatedaccessoriescontainleadand
lead compounds,chemicalsknownto the
State of Californiato causecancerand
birth defectsor other reproductiveharm.
Wash hands after handling.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
Read, understand, and follow all
instructions on the machine and in the
manual before starting.
Do not put hands or feet near rotating
parts or under the machine. Keep clear
of the discharge opening at all times.
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 blades.
Be sure the area is clear of bystand-
ers before operating. Stop machine if
anyone enters the area.
Never carry passengers.
Do not mow in reverse unless abso-
lutely necessary. Always look down
and behind before and while backing.
Never direct discharged material
toward anyone. Avoid discharging
material against a wall or obstruction.
Material may ricochet back toward the
operator. Stop the blades when cross-
ing gravel surfaces.
Do not operate machine without the
entire grass catcher, discharge guard,
or other safety devices in place and
working.
Slowdown before turning.
Never leave a running machine
unattended. Always turn off blades,
set parking brake, stop engine, and
remove keys before dismounting.
Disengage blades when not mowing.
Shut off engine and wait for all parts to
come to a complete stop before clean-
ing the machine, removing the grass
catcher, or unclogging the discharge
guard.
Operate machine 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 unload-
ing the machine into a trailer or truck.
Always wear eye protection when oper-
ating machine.
Data indicates that operators, age 60
years and above, are involved in a
large percentage of riding mower-re-
lated injuries. These operators should
evaluate their ability to operate the
riding mower safely enough to protect
themselves and others from serious
injury.
Follow the manufacturer's recommen-
dation for wheel weights or counter-
weights.
Keep machine free of grass, leaves or
other debris build-up which can touch
hot exhaust / engine parts and burn.
Do not allow the mower deck to plow
leaves or other debris which can cause
build-up to occur. Clean any oil or fuel
spillage before operating or storing the
machine. Allow machine to cool before
storage.
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