Craftsman 247.38528 - Manual (Page 3)

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
J
AWARNING
This symbol points out important safety instructions which, it not
followed, could endanger the personal safety and/or property of
yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual
before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with
these instructions may result in personal injury. When you see this
symbol, HEED ITS WARNING!
AWARNING
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle
components contain or emit chemicals known to State of California
to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
A
DANGER
This machine was built to be operated according to the safe opera­
tion practices in this manual. As with any type of power equipment,
carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious
injury. This machine is capable of amputating fingers, hands, toes
and feet and throwing debris. Failure to observe the following safety
instructions could result in serious injury or death.
AWARNING
Your Responsibility— Restrict the use of this power machine to
persons who read, understand and follow the warnings and instruc­
tions in this manual and on the machine.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
GENERAL OPERATION
• Read this operator's manual carefully in its entirety before
attempting to assemble this machine. Read, understand, and
follow all instructions on the machine and in the manuals before
operation. Keep this manual in a safe place for future and regular
reference and for ordering replacement parts
• Be completely familiar with the controls and the proper use of this
machine before operating it.
• This machine is a precision piece of power equipment, not a
plaything. Therefore, exercise extreme caution at all times. This
machine has been designed to perform one job: to mow grass.
Do not use it for any other purpose.
• Never allow children under 14 years of age to operate this
machine. Children 14 and over should read and understand the
instructions and safe operation practices in this manual and on
the machine and should be trained and supervised by an adult.
• Only responsible individuals who are familiar with these rules of
safe operation should be allowed to use this machine.
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used.
Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones, toys and other foreign
objects, which could be tripped over or picked up and thrown by
the blade. Thrown objects can cause serious personal injury.
• Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of material toward
roads, sidewalks, bystanders and the like. Also, avoid discharg­
ing material against a wall or obstruction, which may cause
discharged material to ricochet back toward the operator.
• To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury, stay in
operator zone behind handles and keep children, bystanders,
helpers and pets at least 75 feet from mower while it is in opera­
tion. Stop machine it anyone enters area.
Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during operation
and while performing an adjustment or repair to protect your eyes.
Thrown objects which ricochet can cause serious injury to the
eyes.
Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-fitting slacks
and shirts. Shirts and pants that cover the arms and legs and
steel-toed shoes are recommended. Never operate this machine
in bare feet, sandals, slippery or light-weight (e.g. canvas) shoes.
Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the cutting
deck. Contact with blade can amputate fingers, hands, toes and
feet.
A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause blade contact
or thrown object injuries.
Many injuries occur as a result of the mower being pulled over the
foot during a fall caused by slipping or tripping. Do not hold on to
the mower it you are falling: release the handle immediately.
Never pull the mower back toward you while you are walking. If
you must back the mower away from a wall or obstruction first
look down and behind to avoid tripping and then follow these
steps:
1. Step back from mower to fully extend your arms forward.
2. Be sure you are well balanced with sure footing.
3. Pull the mower back slowly, no more than half way toward
you.
4. Repeat these steps as needed.
Do not operate the mower while under the influence of alcohol or
drugs.
Do not engage the self-propelled mechanism on machines so
equipped while starting engine.