Craftsman 247.388240 - Manual (Page 4)

wall or obstruction first look down and behind, and
then follow these steps:
a. Step back from the mower to fully extend your
arms.
b. Be sure you are well balanced with sure
footing.
c. Pull the mower back slowly, no more than half
way toward you.
d. 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
units so equipped while starting engine.
• The blade control handle is a safety device. Never
attempt to bypass its operation. Doing so makes
the safety device inoperative and may result in
personal injury through contact with the rotating
blade. The blade control handle must operate
easily in both directions and automatically return
to the disengaged position when released.
• Never operate the mower in wet grass. Always be
sure of your footing. A slip and fall can cause
serious personal injury. Keep a firm hold on the
handle and walk, never run. If you feel you are
losing your footing, RELEASE THE BLADE
CONTROL HANDLE IMMEDIATLEY and the
blade will stop rotating within three seconds.
• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
• Stop the blade when crossing gravel drives, walks
or roads.
• If the equipment should start to vibrate
abnormally, stop the engine and check
immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally a
warning of trouble.
• Shut the engi ne off and wait until the blade comes
to a complete stop before removing the grass
catcher or unclogging the chute. The cutting
blade continues to rotate for a few seconds after
the engine is shut off. Never place any part of the
body in the blade area until you are sure the blade
has stopped rotating.
• Never operate mower without proper guards,
■ grass catcher, plates or other safety protective
devices in place.
• Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a
bum. Do not touch.
• Do not adjust the throttle control with the engine
running.
• Only use accessories approved for this machine
by the manufacturer. Read, understand, and
follow all instructions provided with the approved
accessory.
• If situations occur which are not covered in this
manual, use care and good judgment. Contact
your dealer for assistance.
Slope Operation
For your safety, use the slope gauge included as part of
this manual to measure slopes before operating this unit on
a slope or hilly area, if the slope is greater than 15 degrees
as shown on the slope gauge (page 6), do not operate this
unit on that area or serious injury could result.
DO:
•
Mow across the face of slopes; never up and
down. Exercise extreme caution when changing
direction on slopes.
• Watch for holes, ruts, hidden objects, or bumps.
Tail grass can hide obstacles. '
• Always be sure of your footing. A slip and fall can
cause serious personal injury. If you feel you are
losing your balance release the blade control
handle immediately and the blade will stop in less
than 3 seconds.
• ON MODELS WITH CASTER WHEELS: Lock
both front wheels so they do not pivot while
mowing on the face of slopes. To turn the mower,
depress the handle and raise the front wheels
slightly.
DO NOT:
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or
embankments. The operator could lose footing or
balance.
• Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees as
shown on the slope gauge.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced footing could
cause slipping.
• ON MOWERS WITH CASTER WHEELS: Do Not
mow on slopes with casters unlocked since the
mower has a tendency to drift down hill.
Children
Tragic accidents can occur if tiie operator is not alert to the
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the
mower and the mowing activity. Never assume that
children will remain where you last saw them.
• Keep children out of the mowing area and under
the watchful care of a responsible adult other than
the operator.
• Be alert and turn mower off if a child enters the
area.
• Before and while moving backwards, look behind
and down for small children or other objects.
• Never allow children under age 14 to operate the
mower. Children 14 years of age and above
should read and understand the operation
instmctions and safety rules in this manual.
• Use extreme care when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may
obscure your vision of a child or hazard.
Service
< Use extreme care in handling gasoline and other
fuels. They are extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive.
• Use only an approved gasoline container.
• Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the
engine is running. Allow engine to cool at least
two minutes before refueling.