Craftsman 944.602951 - Manual (Page 2)

SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
IMPORTANT: 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.
1. GENERALOPERATiON
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.
Clearthe area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc.,
which could be picked up and thrown by the blade.
Be sure the area is clear of othe r people before mowing.
Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
Never carry passengers.
Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
Always lookdown 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.
Slowdown 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 mowing.
Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclog­
ging chute.
Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
Do not operate the machine while under the i nf luence of
alcohol or drugs.
Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing road­
ways.
Use extra care when loading or unloading 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 themselves and others from serious injury.
• Keep machinef ree of grass, leaves orotherdebris 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 cool before storage.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tipover
accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. All 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. T a l l g r a s s c a n h i d e o b s t a c l e s .
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 recommendations for wheel
weights or counten/veights to improve stability.
Use extra care with grass catchers or other attach­
ments. These can change the stability of the machine.
Keep all movement on the slopes s/owand
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 sfra/ghf down the
slope.
DO NOT:
• D o n o t turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn
slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
• D o nof mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.
The mower could suddenly tu m over if a wheel is overthe
edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.
• Donofmowon wetgrass. Reduced traction could cause
sliding.
• D o n o t try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot
on the ground.
• D o n o t use grass catcher on steep slopes.
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.
N e v e r assume that
children will remain where you last saw them.
• Keep children out of the mowing area and under the
watchful care of another responsible adult.
• Be alert and turn machine off if children enterthe area.
• Before and when backing, look behind and d o w n for
small children.
• Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously
injured or interfere with safe machine operation.
• Never allow children to operate the machine.
• Use extra care when approaching blind comers, shaibs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
IV. SERVICE
•
Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels.
They are flammable and vapors are explosive.
- Use only.an approved container.
- Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Aliow engine to cool before refueling. Do not
smoke.
- Never refuel the machine indoors.
- Never store the machine orf uel container inside where
there is an open flame, such as a water heater.
• Never run a machine inside a closed area.
• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts,
tight and keep equipment in good condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris
build-up. Clean oil orfuel spillage. Allow machine tocool
before storing.
• Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object.
Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
• Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine
running.
• Grass catcher components are subject to wear, dam­
age, and deterioration, which could e)^ose moving parts
or allow objects to be th rown. Frequently check compo­
nents and replace with manufacturer's recommended
parts, when necessary.
• Mowerblades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade{s)
or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing
them.
• Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service
as required.