Sears 917.258524 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 THROWtNG OBJECTS_
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
Read, understand, and follow all instructionstn the manual
and on the machlne 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.
- Be sursthe area isclear of otherpeoplebefore mowingo Stop
machine if anyone enters the area.
Never carrypassengers,.
Do not mow inreverse unless absolutelynecessary, Always
look down and behind before and while backing..
Be aware of the mower discharge directionand do notpoint
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 brake, stop engine, and remove keys
before dtsmounting_
o Turn off blades when not mowing.
Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging
chute,
Mow only in daylight or good artificial llghL
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-control and
tipover accidents, which can result in severe injury or death.
All slopes require extra caution, if you cannot back up the
slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.
DO:
o Mow up and down slopes, not across.
° Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etco
Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will not have
to stop or shift while on the slope.
o 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 [nspeed 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:
Donot turnonslopes unlessnecessary, andthen turnslowly
and gradually downhill,if poss bleo
Do not mow near drop-offs, 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
slidtng.
° Do not tryto stabilize the machine byputting yourfooton the
ground.
Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes,
2
I!1. 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. Never assume that
children will remain where you last saw them°
° Keep childrenoutof the mowingarea and under the watchful
care of another responsibleadult..
* Be alert and turnmachine off ifchildren enter the area..
° Before and when backing, look behind and down for sinai(
children.
o Never cam] children. They may fail off and be seriously
injuredor interferewith safe machine operation.
, Never allow childrento operate the machine.
° Use extra care when approaching blind comers, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision,
IV. SERVICE
= Use extracare inhandlinggasoline and otherfuels, They are
flammable and vapors are explosive_
Use onfyan approved container°
Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Aliow engine tocool before refueltng_ Do not
smoke.
- Never refuel the machine indoors_
- Never storethe machine or fuel container inside where
there is an open flame, such as a water heater.
= Never runa machine inside a closed area,
Keep nutsand bolts, especially blade attachment botts,tight
and keep equipment tn good condition,
Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.
° Keepmachine free ofgrass, leaves, orother debris bu[Id-upo
Clean oil or fuel spiIlage_ Allow machine to cool before
stodng.
= Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object.
Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
Never make adjustments or repairswith the engine running.
Grasscatchercomponents are subjectto 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 bladesaresharpand can cut.Wrap theblade(s)or
wear gloves,and use extracautionwhen servicingthem.
Check brake operationfrequently.Adjustand serviceas
required,
1 _ Look for thls symbol to POint out im'
portant safety precautions. It means
CAUTIONII! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED. ...............
I - CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug
| _ wire and placewlre whereit cannot contact
I _ spark plug in order to prevent accidental
| i,m starting when setting up, transporting,
| adjusting or making repairs.
m'H ' HH,{ II IIHHl{ '1 ,II ...........
WARNING A
The engine exhaust from this product con-
tains cliemicals known to the State of Califor-
nia to cause cancer, birth defects, or other
reproductive harm.
........................................ II