Sears 917.25545 Lawn Mower User Manual


 
SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE ISCAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDSAND FEETAND THROWING OBJECTS
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
Read, understand, and follow all instructions in 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 ob ects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc,
which could be picked up and thrown by the b ade
Besure the areais clear of other people before mowing Stop
machine if anyone enters the area
Never carry passengers
Do not mowin reverse unless absolutely necessary Always
look down and behind before and while backing
Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point
itat anyone Do not operate the mower without either the
entire grass catcher or the guard in place
Slow down before turning
Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off
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 traffic when operating near or crossing roadways
Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into
a trailer or truck
IL SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a ma or factor related to ]oss_of-control and tipover
accidents, which can resu t n severe njury or death A s opes
require extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel
uneasy on it, do not mow iL
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 slowspeed Choose a low gear so that you will nothave
to stop or shift white on the s_ope
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 slowand 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 straightdown the
slope
DO NOT:
Donottumonslopesunlessnecessary, andthen,turnslowly
and gradually downhill, ifpossible.
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments The
mower could suddenly turn over ifa wheel isover 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.
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. Neverassume that children will remain
where you last saw them.
Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful
care of another responsible adult
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 obiects that may obscure vision
IV. SERVICE
Useextracarein handling gasoline and other fuels. Theyare
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 ofgrass, 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 to wear, damage, and
detedoraiion, 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
I & Lookforthissymboltopointoutimpor-
tant safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERTlf! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED°
CAUTION: Always disconnect spark
plug wire and place wire where it cannot
contact spark plug in order to prevent
accidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making
repairs.
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