Sears 917.25148 - Manual (Page 2)

SAFETY RULES
__ Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
FAIL°UR^E^ t S OBSERV^F^Tl?^^^ FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS-,
miLUKt i u UBShRvb THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH-
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GENERAL OPERATION
Read, understand, and follow ail instructions in the manual
and on the machine before starting.
Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the
instructions, to operate the machine.
Clear the 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 other people before mowing. Stop
machine if anyone enters the area
Never carry passengers.
Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary, Always
look down 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.
Slow down 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 uncloqqinq
chute,
Mow oniy in daylight or good artificial light.
Do not operate the machirte while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs,
Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways,
Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into
a trailer or truck
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 ll g r a s s c a n h id e o b s ta c le 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 counterweights to improve stability,
• Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments
These can change the stability of the machine,
° Keep all movement on the slopes s/owand g r a d u a l. Do not
make sudden changes in speed or direction
• Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If fires lose traction,
disengage the blades and proceed slowly s tr a ig h t the
slope.
DO NOT:
• D o n a t turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn siowly
and gradually downhiti, if possible,
• D o n o t mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments The
mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge
of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in
» D o n o t mow on wet grass. Reduced fraction could cause
sliding
• D o n o t fry to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the
ground,
® D o n o t use grass catcher on steep slopes.
IIL CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
pr^ence of chiidren,. Children are often attracted to the machine
and the mowing activity. Weverassume that children will remain
where you last saw them
» Keep children out of the mowing area and under fhe watchful
care of another responsible adult,
• Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.
• Before and when backing, look behind and down 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 corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision
IV. SERVICE
• Use extra care in handling gasoline and otherfuels They are
flammable and vapors are explosive
- Use only an approved container,
- Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do not
smoke.
- Never refuel the machine indoors
- Never store the machine or fuel container inside where
there is an open flame, such as a water heater
• Never run a machine inside a closed area.
• Keep nufs and bolts, especially blade atfachment bolts, tight
and keep equipment in good condition,
• Never tamper with safety devices Check their proper
operation regularly.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, orother debris build-up.
Clean oil or fuel spillage Allow machine to cool before
storing.
" Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object.
Repair, If necessary, before restarting,
' Never make adjustmenls or repairs with the engine running,
' Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage, and
deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow
objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and
replace with manufacturer’s recommended parts, when nec­
essary,
• Mower blades 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,-
Look for this symbol to point out important
safety
precautions. It means
CAUTiONi!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
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CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug
wire and place wire where it cannot corttacl
spark plug in order to prevent accidental
starting
when setting up, transporting,
adjusting or making repairs.
A WARNING A
The engine exhaust from this product con­
tains chemicals known to the State of Califor-
nia to cause cancer,
reproductive harm. birth defects, or other