Craftsman 917O251550 Lawn Mower User Manual


 
SAFETY RULES
_it Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers &
IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE tS 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 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 could be pickedup and thrown by the blade°
Besure the areais clearof otherpeople before mowing_ Stop
machine if anyone enters the area.
Never carry passengers.
Do not mow in reverse unlessabsolutely necessary° Always
look down and behind before and while backing.
Be aware ofthe mower discharge direction and do not point
itat anyone. Do not operate the mower without eitherthe
entire grass catcher or the guard in ptace.
Slow down before turning.
Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turnoff
blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys
before dismounting_
Turn 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 trafficwhen operating near or crossing roadways.
Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into
a trailer or truck.
I1, SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to toss-of-control and
tipover accidents, which can result in severe injury or death_
All slopes require 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 obstacies
Use slow speed.. Choose a low gear so thatyou will not 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 attachment&
These can change the stability of the machine.
Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual Do not
make sudden changes in speed or direction°
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope, if tires lose traction,
disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the
slope..
DO NOT:
Do not turnon slopes unless necessary, and then,turnslowly
and gradually downhill, if possible.
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The
mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge
of a cliffor ditch, or if an edge caves in.
Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause
sliding.
Do not trytostabilize the machine by putting your foot on the
ground
Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes..
!11. 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 last saw them.
Keepchildrenoutofthemowing area and under the watchful
care of another responsible adult.
Be alert and turn machine off ifchildren enter the area
Before and when backing, look behind and downfor small
children.
Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously
injured or interfere with safe machine operation.
Never allow childrentooperate the machine_
- Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objectsthat may obscure vision.
IV.
o
2
e
SERVICE
Use extracare in handling gasolineand other fuels They are
flammable and vapors are explosive.
Use onlyan approvedcontainer.
Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allow engine 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 insidea 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 regularty_
Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or'other' debris build-up_
Clean oil or fuel spillage 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 aJlow
objecls to be thrown. Frequently check components and
replace with manufacturer's recommended pads. when nec-
essary_
Mower bfades 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
,IUI,I,H,HU,I,lllIHII/Jlll I I J I
Look for this symbol to point out im-
portant safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY' IS INVOLVED.
iii ll/uli lll
,Jllllll,uuui/iull/i iii ii ,i i llll i i
CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug
wire and place wire where itcan not contact
spark plug in order' to prevent accidental
starting when setting up, transporting,
adjusting or making repairs.
IHIJ"IIW"U I I
& WARNING & I
"l'he engine exhaust from this product con-
tains cliemicals known to the State of Califor-
nia to cause cancer, birth defects, or other
repr°ductive harm. .......