Sears 917.251551 Lawn Mower User Manual


 
SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers A
IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS 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 themanual
and onthe machinebeforestarting.
Only allow respons{bleadults, who are familiar with the
instructions,tooperate themachine.
Clear the area of objectssuch as rocks,toys,wire, etc,
whichcouldbe pickedupand thrownbythe blade.
Besuretheareaisclearofotherpeoplebeforemowing. Stop
machineif anyone entersthearea.
Nevercarrypassengers
Donotmow inreverseunlessabsolutelynecessary Always
lookdownand behindbeforeandwhilebacking.
Be aware ofthe mowerdischargedirectionanddo notpoint
itat anyone. Do notoperatethe mowerwithouteitherthe
entiregrasscatcherorthe guardinplace_
Slow downbeforeturning.
Neverleavea runningmachine unattended_Alwaysturnoff
blades, set parkingbrake, stop engine,and removekeys
beforedismounting.
Turn offblades whennot mowing.
Stop engine before removinggrasscatcheror unclogging
chute_
Mow onlyin daylightor goodartificiatlight.
Do not operatethe machinewhile under the influenceof
alcoholor drugs.
Watchfortrafficwhenoperatingnearorcrossingroadways_
Use extracare when loadingorunloadingthe machine into
a trailer ortruck_
I1. 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 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 obstacles.
° Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you 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 attachments.
These can change the stability of the machine.
Keep aUmovement 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 turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowiy
and gradually downhill, if possible.
Do not mow near drop-otis, ditches, or embankments.. The
mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge
of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.
= 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.
2
Iii. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur' if the 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.
° Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful
care of another responsible adul[
Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.
Before and when backing, look behind and down for small
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 in handlinggasoline 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 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 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 of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up
Clean oil or fuel spillageo AUow 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 catchercomponents 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 nero
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°
.............t,ook for ihis symbol to point out im-
A portant safety precautions. It means
CAUTIONH! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
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A
CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug
wireand placewire whereit cannot contact
spark plug in order to prevent accidental
starting when setting up, transporting,
adjusting or making repairs.
A WARNING
The engine exhaust from this product con-
tains chemicals known to the State of Cahfor-
nia to cause cancer, birth defects, or other
reproductive harm.