Sears 917.257462 Lawn Mower User Manual


 
& SAFETY RULES &
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OFAMPUTATING 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 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 ofobjects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc., which
could be picked up and thrown by the blade.
Be sure the area isclear of other people before mowing. Stop
machine ifanyone enters the area.
Never carry passengers.
Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always
look down and behin:l before and while backing.
Be aware of the mower discharge direction and 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 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.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopesare a majorfactor relatedto loss-of-controland tipover
accidents,which canresultin severe injuryor death. All slopes
requireextracaution. Ifyoucannotbackuptheslopeorifyoufeel
uneasyon it,do notmowit.
DO:
Mow upand downslopes,notacross.
Removeobstaclessuchas rocks,tree limbs,etc.
Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overturn the machine. Tallgrasscanhide obstacles.
Useslowspeed. Choosea lowgearsothatyouwillnothave
to stopor shiftwhileonthe slope.
Followthemanufacturer'srecommendationsforwheelweights
or counterweightsto improvestability.
Use extra care with grass catchersor other attachments.
These can changethe stabilityof themachine.
Keepall movementontheslopesslowand gradual. Donot
make suddenchangesinspeed ordirection.
Avoidstartingor stoppingon a slope. If tireslosetraction,
disengagethe blades and proceedslowlystraightdownthe
slope.
DO NOT:
Donot tumonslopesunlessnecessary,and then, tumslowly
aria graouallydownhill,Ifpossible.
Do notmowneardrop-offs,ditches,or embankments.The
mowercould suddenlyturnoverifa wheel isovertheedgeof
a clifforditch,or ifan edge cavesin.
Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced tractioncould cause
sliding.
Do not trytostabilizethe machinebyputtingyourfoot onthe
ground.
Do notusegrasscatcheron steepslopes.
III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidentscan occur if the operator is not alert to the
presenceof children.Childrenare oftenattractedto themachine
andthemowingactivity. Neverassumethatchildrenwillremain
whereyoulastsawthem.
Keepchildrenoutofthemowingareaandunderthewatchful
care of anotherresponsibleadult.
Bealertand turnmachineoff if childrenenterthearea.
Beforeand when backing,look behindand downfor small
children.
Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously
Injuredor interferewiththesafe machineoperation.
Neverallowchildrento operatethemachine.
Use extracare when approachingblind corners,shrubs,
trees, orotherobjectsthat may obscurevision.
IV. SERVICE
Use extra care in handling gasoline 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 ofgrass, leaves, orother 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 deterioration, which could expose moving partsor 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.
Look for this symbol to p.gint out Impor-
tant safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
2
CAUTION: Always disconnect spark
plug wire and place wire where itcannot
contact spark plug in order to prevent
accidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making
repairs.