Sears 917.257632 Lawn Mower User Manual


 
SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
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 ati 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 objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc,
which could be picked up and thrown by the blade.
Besure the area is clear of other people before mowing Stop
machine if anyone enters the area..
Never carry passengers.,
Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.. Always
look down and behind 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
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-controland ttpover
accidents, which can resu{t in severe injury or death_ All slopes
requireextra caution.,tf you cannotback up theslope or ifyou feel
uneasy on it, do not mow ito
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 machtne_ Ta// grass can hide obstac/es..
Use slowspeed, Choose a low gearso that you wiltnot have
to stop or shiftwhile onthe 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 stabilityof the machine.
° Keep all movement on the slopes slowand gradua/. 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:
Donor turn onslopes unlessnecessary,and then,turnslowly
and gradually downhill, if possible_
° Do not mow near drop-ells, 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 try tostabilize the machine byputtingyourfoot on the
ground.
= Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes,.
!11. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children..Children are often attracted tothe machine
and the mowing activity, Never assume thatchildren will remain
where you lastsaw them.
° Keep childrenout of the mowingarea and under the watchful
care of another responsible aduR.
° Be alert and turn machine off ifchildren 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 comers, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
IV, SERVICE
° Useextra care in handlinggasoline and etherfuels. 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 inslde where
there is an open flame, such as a water hF,,ater.
Never run a machineinside a closed area..
= Keep nutsand bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight
and keep equipment in good condition.
° Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regulady_
Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or ether'debris build-up.
Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool before
stodng.
° Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object.
Repair, if necessary, before restarting,
Never make adjustmentsor repairswiththe engine running..
,, Grasscatchercomponents are subjecttowear, damage, and
deterioration, which could expose moving parts or atlow
objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and
replace withmanufacturer'srecommended 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,
2
Look for this symbol to point out impor-
tant safety precautions, it means
CAUTIONtt! BECOME ALERTIH YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED,
I I'11'11 i,i i I II II II I IJ IJILI!I±III
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.