Craftsman 247.28911 - 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, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and
in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and operate.
Keep this manual in a safe place for future and regular reference
and for ordering replacement parts.
• Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation. Know how
to stop the machine and disengage them quickly.
• Never allow children under 14 years old to operate this machine.
Children 14 years old and over should read and understand the
operation instructions and safety rules in this manual and should
be trained and supervised by a parent.
• Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper
instruction.
• To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury, keep
bystanders, helpers, children and pets at least 75 feet from the
machine while it is in operation. Stop machine it anyone enters
the area.
• 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 picked up and thrown by the blade(s).
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.
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. Loose fitting clothes and jewelry can be caught in movable
parts. Never operate this machine in bare feet or sandals.
Be aware of the mower and attachment discharge direction and
do not point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without the
discharge cover or entire grass catcher in its proper place.
Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the cutting
deck. Contact with the blade(s) can amputate hands and feet.
A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause blade contact
or thrown object injuries.
Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads
and while not cutting grass.
Watch tor traffic when operating near or crossing roadways. This
machine is not intended for use on any public roadway.
Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol
or drugs.
Mow only In daylight or good artificial light.
Never carry passengers.
Disengage blade(s) before shifting into reverse. Back up slowly.
Always look down and behind before and while backing to avoid a
back-over accident.