Sears 917.257651 Lawn Mower User Manual


 
SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE ISCAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH,
L GENERAL OPERATION
- Read, understand, and foltow all instructions in the manual
and on the machine before starting
Only aliow 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.
Besuretheareaisclearofotherpeoplebeforemowing Stop
machine if anyone enters the area
Never carry passengers.
Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary Atways
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..
* Stow clownbefore turning
* Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off
blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys
before dismounting
o 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-controt and tipover
accidents, which can result in severe injury or death_ All slopes
require extra caution, ifyou cannot back up the stope orif 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_ Tafl grass can hide obstacles.
Use slow speed.. Choose a low gear so that you wilt not have
to stop or shift while on the slope
. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel
weights or counterweights toimprove 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 stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction
d sengage the blades and proceed slowly sfraightdown the
slope.
DO NOT:
Donotturnenslopesunlessnecessary,andthen turn slowly
and gradual y downh , if possibte.
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 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 ofthe mowing a|ea 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 smelt
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 approachirrg blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision
IV. SERVICE
Use extra care in handting gasoline and other fuets. They are
flammable and vapors are explosive
Use only an approved container.
Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine
runnir_g Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do not
smoke
Never refuel the machine indoors.
Never store the machine or fuet container inside where
there is an open fIame, such as a water heater'
Never run a machine inside a ctosed 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 oi_ 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 parts or allow
objects to be thrown, Frequently check components and
replace with manufacturer's recommended parts, when nec-
essary_
. Mower biades 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 NNHHIrHHI IIHI HI
Look for this symbol to point out impor-
tant safety precautions, it means
CAUTIONI!! BECOME ALERTHI YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
iii, ,,HIH H ,,,,,.,,,,,,,,,,,
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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