Craftsman 917.257360 - Manual (Page 2)

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SAFETY RULES
CAUTION-ALWAYS DISCONNECTSPARK PLUG WIRE AND PLACE WIREWHEREITCANNOTCONTACTSPARK
PLUG TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL STARTING WHEN SETTING-UP, TRANSPORTING, ADJUSTING OR MAKING
REPAIRS.
IMPORTANT
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SAFETY STANDARDS REQUIRE OPERATOR PRESENCECONTROLS TO MINIMIZE THE RISK OF INJURY. YOUR UNIT IS EQUIPPED WITH SUCH
CONTROLS. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DEFEAT THE FUNCTION OF THE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.
TRAINING:
Know the controls and how to stop quickly. Read this owner's
manual and instructions furnished with attachments.
Do not allow children to operate the machine Do not allow
adults to operate it without proper instruction,.
Do not carry passengers. Do not mow when children and
others are around
Do not attempt to operate your vehicle or mower when not in
the driver's seat.
Always get on or off your vehicle from the operator's left hand
side.
The vehicle and attachments should be stopped and in­
spected for damage after striking a foreign object, and the
damage should be repaired before restarting and operating
the equipment.
PREPARATION:
• Always wear substantial footwear. Do not wear loose fitting
clothing that could get caught in moving parts
• Clear the work area of objects (wire, rocks, etc ) which might
be picked up and thrown.
■ Disengage all attachment clutches before attempting to start
the engine.
• Handle gasoline with care - it is highly flammable
-
Use approved gasoline containers
- Never remove thefuel cap of thefue! tank or add gasoline
to a running or hot engine or an engine that has not been
allowed to cool for several minutes after running Never
fill tank indoors Always clean up spilled gasoline
- Open doors if the engine is run in the garage - exhaust
fumes are dangerous. Do not run the engine indoors
• Do not operate the mower without the entire grass catcher,
on mowers so equipped, or the deflector shield in place.
OPERATION:
• Keep your eyes and mind on your vehicle, mower, and the
area being cut. Do not let other interests distract you,
• Disengage power to attachments and stop the engine before
leaving the operator's position.
• Disengage power to mower, stop the engine, and disconnect
spark plug wire(s) from spark plug{s) before cleaning, making
an adjustment, or repair. Be careful to avoid touching hot
I'iiuffler or engine components.
• Disengage power to attachments when transporting or not in
use
• Take all possible precautions when leaving the vehicle unat­
tended. Disengage the power take-off, lower the attach­
ments, shift into neutral, set the parking brake, stop the
engine, and remove the key,
• Do not stop or start suddenly when going uphill or downhill
Mow up and down the face of slopes (not greater than 15“),
never across the face.
• Reduce speed on slopes and make turns gradually to prevent
tipping or loss of control, Exercise extreme caution when
changing direction on slopes,
• While going up or down slopes, place gearshift control lever
in 1st gear position to negotiate the slope without stopping.
• Never mow in wet or slippery grass, when traction is unsure,
or at a speed which could cause a skid.
• Stay alert for holes in the terrain and other hidden hazards
Keep away from drop-offs,
• Do not drive too close to creeks, ditches, and public high­
ways
• Exercise special care when mowing around fixed objects in
order to prevent the blades from striking them. Never delib­
erately run vehicle or mower into or over any foreign objects.
• Never shift gears until vehicle comes to a stop,
• Never place hands or feet under the mower, in discharge
chute, or near any moving parts while vehicle or mower is
running Always keep clear of discharge chute
• Use care when pulling loads or using heavy equipment
-
Use only approved drawbar hitch points
- Limit loads to those you can safely control.
- Do not turn sharply. Use care when backing.
- Use counterweight or wheel weights when suggested in
owner's manual
• Watch out for traffic when crossing or near roadways
• When using any attachments, never direct discharge of
material toward bystanders nor allow anyone near the ve­
hicle while in operation
• Except for adjustments, do not operate engine if air cleaner
or cover directly over carburetor air intake is removed
Removal of such part could create a fire hazard.
• Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed
the engine; severe damage or Injury may result
• When using the vehicle with mower, proceed as follows;
- Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light
- Shut the engine off when unclogging chute.
- Check the blade mounting bolts for proper tightness at
frequent intervals
• Disengage power to mower before backing up, Do not mow
in reverse unless absolutely necessary and then only after
careful observation of the entire area behind the mower.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
• Keep the vehicle and attachments in good operating condi­
tion, and keep safety devices in place and working.
• Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the equip­
ment is in safe working condition.
• Never store the equipment with gasoline In the tank inside a
building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark
Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.
• To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free of grass, leaves,
or excessive grease, Do not clean product while engine is
running.
• Do not operate without a muffler, or tamper with exhaust
system Damaged mufflers or spark arresters could create a
fire hazard. Inspect periodically and replace if necessary.
• Under normal usage the grass catcher bag material is
subject to deterioration and wear. It should be checired
frequently for bag replacement,. Replacement bags should
be checked to ensure compliance with the original
manufacturer's recommendations or specifications.
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LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL TO POINT OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.
IT MEANS-ATTENTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.