Craftsman 917.272410 - Manual (Page 3)

SAFETY RULES
IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwing objects. Failure to observe the foltowing safety instructions could resuit in
serious injury or death.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all
instructions in the manual and on the
machine 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.
• № sure the area is clear of other people
before mowing. Stop machine if anyone
enters the area.
• Never carry passengers.
• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely
necessary. Always 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.
• Slow down before turning.
• Never leave a running machine
unattended. Always turn off blades, set
parking brake, stop engine, and remove
keys before dismounting.
• Turn off blades when not nrrowing.
• 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 unload­
ing the machine into a trailer or truck.
• Data indicates that operators, age 60
years and above, are involved in a large
percentage of riding mower-related
injuries. These operators should
evaluate their ability to operate the riding
mower safely enough to protect them­
selves and others from serious injury.
• Keep machine free of grass , leaves or
other debris build-up which can touch
hot exhaust / engine parts and bum . Do
not allow the mower deck to plow leaves
or other debris which can cause build­
up to occur. Clean any oil or fuel
spillage before operating or storing the
machine . Allow machine to coot before
storage.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-
control and tipover accidents, which can re­
sult in severe injury or death. Ail slopes
require extra caution. If you cannot back up
the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not
mow it.
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. 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.
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommenda­
tions for wheel weights or counter­
weights 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 slow
and gradual. Do not make sudden
changes in speed 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:
• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary,
and then, turn slowly and gradually
downhill, if possible.
• Do no/ 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 no/mow on wet grass. Reduced
traction could cause sliding.
• Do no/ try to stabilize the machine by
putting your foot on the ground.
• Do not use grass catcher on steep
slopes.