Craftsman 917.28927 - Manual (Page 3)

SAFETY RULES
A dan GER: 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.
A w ARNING: In order to prevent acci­
dental starting w hen setting up, transport­
ing, adjusting or m aking repairs, alw ays
disconnect spark plug w ire and place wire
w here it cannot contact spark plug.
A w ARNING: Do not coast dow n a hill in
neutral, you m ay lose control of the tractor.
A w ARNING: T ow only the attachm ents
that are recom m ended by and com ply w ith
specifications of the m anufacturer of your
tractor. Use com m on sense w hen tow ing.
O perate only at the lowest possible speed
w hen on a slope. Too heavy of a load,
w hile on a slope, is dangerous. Tires can
lose traction w ith the ground and cause
you to lose control of your tractor.
A w ARNING: Engine exhaust, som e of
its constituents, and certain vehicle com ­
ponents contain or em it chem icals know n
to the State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects or other reproductive
harm .
A w ARNING: Battery posts, term inals
and related accessories contain lead and
lead com pounds, chem icals known to the
State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm .
Wash hands after handling.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all
instructions on the m achine and in the
m anual before starting.
• Do not put hands or feet near rotating
parts or under the m achine. Keep clear
of the discharge opening at all tim es.
• O nly allow responsible adults, w ho are
fam iliar with the instructions, to operate
the m achine.
• Clear the area of objects such as
rocks, toys, w ire, etc., which could be
picked up and thrown by the blades.
• Be sure the area is clear of bystand­
ers before operating. Stop m achine if
anyone enters the area.
• Never carry passengers.
• Do not m ow in reverse unless abso­
lutely necessary. Alw ays look dow n
and behind before and w hile backing.
Never direct discharged m aterial
tow ard anyone. Avoid discharging
m aterial against a w all or obstruction.
M aterial m ay ricochet back tow ard the
operator. Stop the blades when cross­
ing gravel surfaces.
Do not operate m achine w ithout the
entire grass catcher, discharge guard,
or other safety devices in place and
w orking.
Slow dow n before turning.
Never leave a running m achine
unattended. Alw ays turn off blades,
set parking brake, stop engine, and
rem ove keys before dism ounting.
Disengage blades w hen not m ow ing.
Shut off engine and w ait for all parts to
com e to a com plete stop before clean­
ing the m achine, rem oving the grass
catcher, or unclogging the discharge
guard.
O perate m achine only in daylight or
good artificial light.
Do not operate the m achine w hile
under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
W atch for traffic when operating near
or crossing roadw ays.
Use extra care w hen loading or un­
loading the m achine into a trailer or
truck.
Alw ays wear eye protection w hen
operating m achine.
Data indicates that operators, age 60
years and above, are involved in a
large percentage of riding m ow er-re­
lated injuries. These operators should
evaluate their ability to operate the
riding m ow er safely enough to protect
them selves and others from serious
injury.
Follow the m anufacturer’s recom m en­
dation for w heel weights or counter­
w eights.
Keep m achine free of grass , leaves
or other debris build-up w hich can
touch hot exhaust / engine parts and
burn. Do not allow the m ower to plow
leaves or other debris w hich can cause
build-up to occur. Clean any oil or fuel
spillage before operating or storing the
m achine. Allow m achine to cool before
storage.