Craftsman 247.27022 - Manual (Page 4)

10. Be aware of the mower and attachment discharge
direction and do not point it at anyone. Do not operate the
mower without the discharge cover or entire grass
catcher in its proper place.
11. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the
cutting deck. Contact with the blade(s) can amputate
hands and feet.
12. A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause blade
contact or thrown object injuries.
13. Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks, or
roads and while not cutting grass.
14. Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing
roadways. This machine is not for use on public roadway.
15. Do not operate the machine while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
16. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light. Never carry
passengers.
17. Disengage blade(s) before shifting into reverse. Back up
slowly. Always look down and behind before and while
backing to avoid a back-over accident.
18. Slow down before turning. Operate the machine
smoothly. Avoid erratic operation and excessive speed.
19. Disengage blade(s), set parking brake, stop engine and
wait until the blade(s) come to a complete stop before
removing grass catcher, emptying grass, unclogging
chute, removing any grass or debris, or making any
adjustments.
20. Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn
off blade(s), place transmission in neutral, set parking
brake, stop engine and remove key before dismounting.
21. Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine
into a trailer or truck. This unit should not be driven up or
down ramp{s), because the unit could tip over, causing
serious persona! injury. The unit must be pushed
manualiy on ramp(s) to load or unload properly.
22. Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do
not touch.
23. Check overhead clearances carefully before driving
under low tree branches, wires, door openings etc.,
where the operator may be struck or pulled from the unit,
which could result in serious injury.
24. Disengage all attachment clutches, depress the brake
pedal completely and shift into neutral before attempting
to start engine.
25. Your machine is designed to cut normal residential grass
of a height no more than 10". Do not attempt to mow
through unusually tall, dry grass (e.g., pasture) or piles of
dry leaves. Dry grass or leaves may contact the engine
exhaust and/or build up on the mower deck presenting a
potential fire hazard.
26. Use only accessories and attachments approved for this
machine by the machine manufacturer. Read,
understand and follow all instructions provided with the
accessory or attachment.
27. Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above,
are involved in a large percentage of tractor-related
injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability to
operate the tractor safely enough to protect themselves
and others from serious injury.
28. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual,
use care and good judgment. Contact Sears service
center for assistance.
Slope Operation
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip­
over 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, do not mow it.
For safety, use the slope guide on page 45 to measure
slopes before operating this unit on a sloped or hilly area. If
the slope is greater than 15 degrees as shown on the slope
gauge, do not operate this unit there.
Do:
1. Mow up and down slopes, not across. Exercise extreme
caution when changing direction on slopes.
2. Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden
objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tail
grass can hide obstacles.
3. Use slow speed. Choose a low enough speed setting so
that you will not have to stop or shift whiie on the slope.
Tires may lose traction on slopes even though the brakes
are functioning properly. Always keep machine in gear
when going down slopes to take advantage of engine
braking action.
4. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for wheel
weights or counterweights to improve stability of the
machine. Use extra care with grass catchers or other
attachments. These can change stability of the machine.
5. Keep ail movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do
not make sudden changes in speed or direction. Rapid
engagement or braking could cause the front of the
machine to lift and rapidly flip over backwards which
could cause serious injury.
6. Avoid starling or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction,
disengage the blade(s) and proceed slowly straight down
the slope.
Do Not:
1. Do not turn on slopes unless necessary; then, turn slowly
and gradually downhill, if possible.
2. Do not mow near drop-off sites, ditches or embankments.
The mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the
edge of a cliff, ditch, or if an edge caves in.
3. Do not try to stabiiize the machine by putting your foot on
the ground.
4. Do not use a grass catcher on steep slopes.
5. Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause
sliding.
6. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill. Over-speeding
may cause the operator to lose control of the machine
resulting in serious injury or death.
Children
1. Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to
the presence of children. Children are often attracted to
the machine and the mowing activity. They do not
understand the dangers. Never assume that children will
remain where you last saw them.
a. Keep children out of the mowing area and in
watchful care of a responsible adult other than the
operator.
b. Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the
area.
c. Before and while backing, look behind and down
for small children.