Sears 917.257651 - Manual (Page 2)

A
SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers A
IMPORTANT: THISCUTTING MACHINE iSCAPABLEOF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH,
I. GENERAL OPERATION
* 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
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 car ry 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
ft 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 unciogging
chute.
Mow oniy in daylight or good artificial light
Do not operate the machine while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing r oadways.
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 resuit in severe Injury or death. All slopes
r equire 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. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
Use slovsr speed. Choose a low gear so that you will not have
to stop or shift while on the slope
Follow the marrufacturer’s recommendations for wheel
weights or counterweights !o 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 stow and gradual. Do not
make sudden changes in speed or direction
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If fires iose traction,
disengage the blades and proceed slowly sfra/ghf down the
slope.
DO NOT:
Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly
and gradually downhill, if possible.
Do not 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.
Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause
sliding.
Do not Uy to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the
grourrd.
Da not use grass catcher on steep slopes
Hi. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not aiert to the
presence of chlidren 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 the 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 cornets, shrubs,
trees, Of other objects that may obscure vision
IV. SERVICE
• Useextracarelnhandlinggasoiineandotherfuels. Theyare
flammable and vapors are explosive
-
Use only an approved container,
- Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine
running Allow engine to coo! 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 nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight
and keep equipment in good condition,
• Never tamper with safely devices Check their proper
operation regularly,
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other 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 adjustments or repairs with the engine running
• Grasscatchercomponentsaresubjectto 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 biade{s) or
wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.
• Check brake operation frequently Adjust and service as
required.
A Look for this symbol to point out impor­
tant safely precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
A
CAUTION: Always disconnect spark
plug wire and place wire where it cannot
contact spark plug in order to prevent
accidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making
repairs.