Sears 917.257643 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.
FA{LURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
!. GENERAL OPERATION
Read, understand, and follow all instructionsinthe manual
and on the machine before starting..
- Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the
instructions,tooperate the machine..
Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc.,
which could be picked up and thrown by the blade,
= Be sure the area isclear ofother people before mowing_ Stop
machine if anyone enters the area..
Never carry passengers°
Do not mow inreverse 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 runningmachine unattended. Always turnoff
blades, set parking 5rake, stop engine, and remove keys
before d{smounting.
Turn offblades 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-controland tipover
accidents, which can resutt in severe injury or death., All slopes
require extra c&ution, ifyou cannot back up the slope orif you feet
uneasy on it, do not mow it.
DO:
° Mow up and down slopes, not across,.
Remove obstacles such as racks, tree limbs,etco
Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps° Uneven terrain could
overturn the machine° Taftgrass can hide obstacles.
Use slow speed_ Choose a low gear so that you will not have
to stop or shiftwh{le on the slope.
* Fellow 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 slow and gradual.. Do not
make sudden changes in speed or direction..
- Avoid starting or stoppingon a slope. If tires lose traction,
disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the
slope.
DO NOT;
° Donotturnonslopes unless necessary, andthen, 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 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 puttingyour foot onthe
ground.
o Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.
2
ill CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence ofchildren_Children are oftenattracted tothe machine
and the mowingactivity. Neverassume that childrenwitlremain
where you lastsaw them.
° Keepchildrenoutofthe mowing area and under'the watchfu_
care ofanother responsible adult.
Be alert and turnmachine off if childrenenter thff._ea.
° Before and when backing, look behind and downf_r Small
children..
Never carry chiFdren. They may fall off and be s_r_ously
injuredorinterfere with safe machine operation.
Never allowchildren to operate the machine.,
Use extra care when approaching blind comers, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
iV. SERVICE
Useextra care inhandling gasoline and otherfuels_They are
flammable and vapors are explosive°
Use only an approved corrtainer..
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 spillage. Allow machine to cool before
stodng
° Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an objecL
Repair, if necessary, before restarting,
Never make adjustments or repairswith the engine running,
Grass catchercomponents are subject to wear, 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 neo-
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.
..........,oo.,or,,iss m o,,o.o;.,ou, I
tant safety precautions. It means |
= ' ............. _ ..... I
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 rfiaking
repairs.