Sears 917.372852 - Manual (Page 2)

SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Mowers
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iMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHtNE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS-
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SE RIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
SAFETY STANDARDS REQUIRE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLS 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:
Read this operator’s manual carefully- Become familiar with
the controls and know how to operate your mower properly
Learn how to quickly stop mower
Do not allow children to use your mower Never allow adults
lo use mower without proper instructioris.
Keep the area of operation dear of all persons, espedaliy
small children and pets
Use mower ortly as the manufaclurer intended and as de­
scribed in this manuaf.
Do not operate mower If it has been dropped or damaged in
any manner. Always have damage repaired before using
your mower
Do not use accessory attachments that are not recommertded
by the manufacturer Use of such attachments may be
hazardous.
The blade turns when the engine is running
PREPARATION:
Always thoroughly check the area to be mowed and clear it of
all stones, sticks, wires, bones, and other foreign objects
These objects will be thrown by the blade and can cause
severs injury
Always wear safely glasses or eye shields when starting and
while using your rtiowsr.
Dress properly Do not operate mower when barefoot or
wearing open sandals. Wear only solid shoes with good
traction when mowing,
Check fuel tank before starting engine. Do not fill gas tank
indoors, when the engine is running or when the engine is hot.
Allow the engine lo cool for several minutes before filling the
gas tank- Clean off any spilled gasoline before starting the
engine.
Always make wheel height adjustments before starting your
mower Never attempt to do this while the engine is running
Mow only In daylight or good artificial light.
OPERATION:
Keep your eyes and mind on your mower and the area being
cut Do not let other interests distract you
Do not mow wet or slippery grass Never run while operating
your mower. Always be sure of your footing - keep a firm hold
on the handles and walk.
Do not put harrds or feet near or under rotating parts Keep
clear of the discharge opening at all times.
Always stop the engine whenever you leave or are not using
your mower, or before crossing driveways, walks, roads, and
any gravel-covered areas
Never direct discharge of material toward bystanders nor
allow anyone near the mower while you are operating it
Before cleaning, inspecting, or repairing your mower, stop the
engine and make absoluteSy sure the blade and all moving
parts have Stopped Then disconnect the spark plug wire and
keep it away from the spark plug lo prevent accidental
starting
• Do not continue to run your mower if you hit a foreign object
Follow the procedure outlined above, then repair any dam­
age before restarting and operating you mower
• Do not change the governor settings or overspeed the
engine Engine damage or personal injury may result.
• Do not operate your mower if U vibrates abnormally Etcces-
siVB vibration is an indication of damage; stop the engine,
safely check for the cause of vibration and repairas required
• Do not run the engine indoors Exhaust fumes are danger­
ous
» Never cut grass by pulling the mower towards you Mow
across the face of slopes, never up and down or you might
loseyour fooling. Do not mow excessively steep slopes, Use
caution when operating the moweronuneventerrainorwhen
changing directions - mairrtain good footing.
• Never operate your mower without proper guards, plates,
grass catcher or other safety devices in place,
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:
• Check the blade and the engine mounting bolts often to be
.sure Ihey are tightened properly
• Check all bolts, nuts and screws at frequent intervals for
proper tightness to be sure mower is in safe working condi­
tion.
• Keep all safety devices in place and working.
• To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free of grass, leaves
or excessive grease and oil.
• Check grass catcher often for deterioration arrd wear arid
replace worn bags. Use only replacement bags that are
recommended by and comply with specifications of the
manufacturer of your mower
• Always keep a sharp blade on your mower,
• Allow engine to coot before storing in any enclosure,
• Never store mower with fuel in the tank inside a building
where fumes may reach an open flame or an ignition source
such as a hot water healer, space heater, clothes dryer, etc
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Look for this symbol to point out im­
portant safety precautions. It means
CAUTION]!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
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CAUTION: Always disconnect spark
plug wire and place wire where it can­
not contact spark plug in order to pre­
vent accidental starting when setting
up, transporting, adjusting or making
repairs.
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WARNING
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The engine exhaust from this product con­
tains chemicals known to the State of Califor­
nia to cause cancer, birth defects, or other
reproductive harm.