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Ii. slope operation, Iii. children, Iv. safe handling of gasoline – Craftsman 917.388111 User Manual

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I. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all

instructions on the machine and in the
manual(s) before starting. Be thoroughly

familiar with the controls and the proper

use of the machine before starting.

• Do not put hands or feet near or under

rotating parts. Keep clear of the dis­
charge opening at all times.

• Only allow responsible individuals, who

are familiar with the Instructions, to oper­
ate the machine.

• Clear the area of objects such as rocks,

toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc., which

could be picked up and thrown by blade.

• Be sure the area is clear of other people

before mowing. Stop machine if anyone
enters the area.

• Do not operate the mower when bare­

foot or wearing open sandals. Always

wear substantial foot wear.

• Do not pull mower backwards unless

absolutely necessary. Always look down
and behind before and while moving

backwards.

• Never direct discharged material toward

anyone. Avoid discharging material
against a wall or obstruction. Material

may richochet back toward the opera­

tor. Stop the blade when crossing gravel
surfaces.

• Do not operate the mower without

proper guards, plates, grass catcher or
other safety protective devices in place.

• See manufacturer’s instructions for

proper operation and installation of

accessories. Only use accessories ap­

proved by the manufacturer.

• Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel

drives, walks, or roads.

• Stop the engine (motor) whenever you

leave the equipment, before cleaning the
mower or unclogging the chute.

• Shut the engine (motor) off and wait until

the blade comes to complete stop before

removing grass catcher.

• Mow only in daylight or good artificial

light.

• Do not operate the machine while under

the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Never operate machine in wet grass.

Always be sure of your footing; keep a
firm hold on the handle; walk, never run.

• Disengage the self-propelled mech­

anism or drive clutch on mowers so

equipped before starting the engine.

• If the equipment should start to vibrate

abnormally, stop the engine (motor) and

check immediately for the cause. Vibra­

tion is generally a warning of trouble. ,

• Always wear safety goggles or safety

glasses with side shields when operating

mower.

II. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to slip &

fall accidents which can result in severe in­
jury. All slopes require extra caution. If you
feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.

DO:

• Mow across the face of slopes; never

up and down. Exercise extreme caution

when changing direction on slopes.

• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree

limbs, etc.

• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall

grass can hide obstacles.

DO NOT:

• Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or

embankments. The operator could lose

footing or balance.

• Do not trim excessively steep slopes.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced foot­

ing could cause slipping.

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. Never assume
that children will remain where you last
saw them.
• Keep children out of the trimming area

and under the watchful care of another

responsible adult.

• Be alert and turn machine off if children

enter the area.

• Before and while walking backwards,

look behind and down for small children.

• Never allow children to operate the ma­

chine.

• Use extra care when approaching blind

corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects

that may obscure vision.

IV. SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE

Use extreme care in handling gasoline.

Gasoline is extremely flammable and the

vapors are explosive.

• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes

and other sources of ignition.

• Use only an approved container.
• Never remove gas cap or add fuel with

the engine running. Allow engine to cool

before refueling.

• Never refuel the machine indoors.
• Never store the machine or fuel contain­

er where there is an open flame, spark
or pilot light such as a water heater or on
other appliances.

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