Ii. slope operation, Iii. children, Iv. towing – Craftsman 917.276240 User Manual

Page 4: V. service, Safe handling of gasoline, Safety rules

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SAFETY RULES

II. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to loss of
control and tip-over accidents, which can
result in severe injury or death. Opera­
tion on all slopes requires extra caution. If

you cannot back up the slope or if you feel

uneasy on it, do not mow it.

• Mow up and down slopes, not across.
• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or

other hidden objects. Uneven terrain

could overturn the machine. Tall grass
can hide obstacles.

• Choose a low ground speed so that

you will not have to stop or shift while

on the slope.

• Do not mow on wet grass. Tires may

lose traction.

Always keep the machine in gear when

going down slopes. Do not shift to
neutral and coast downhill.

• Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on

a slope. If the tires lose traction, dis­

engage the blades and proceed slowly

straight down the slope.

• Keep all movement on the slopes slow

and gradual. Do not make sudden

changes in speed or direction, which
could cause the machine to roll over.

• Use extra care while operating ma­

chine with grass catchers or other at­
tachments; they can affect the stability

of the machine. Do no use on steep
slopes.

• Do not try to stabilize the machine by

putting your foot on the ground.

• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches,

or embankments. The machine could
suddenly roll over if a wheel is over the

edge or if the edge caves in.

III. CHILDREN

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. Never assume

that children will remain where you last
saw them.
• Keep children out of the mowing area

and in the watchful care of a respon­
sible adult other than the operator.

• Be alert and turn machine off if a child

enters the area.

• Before and while backing, look behind

and down for small children.

• Never carry children, even with the

blades shut off. They may fall off and
be seriously injured or interfere with
safe machine operation. Children who
have been given rides in the past may
suddenly appear in the mowing area

for another ride and be run over or

backed over by the machine.

• Never allow children to operate the

machine.

• Use extra care when approaching blind

corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects
that may block your view of a child.

IV. TOWING

• Tow only with a machine that has a

hitch designed for towing. Do not at­

tach towed equipment except at the

hitch point.

• Follow the manufacturer’s recom­

mendation for weight limits for towed

equipment and towing on slopes.

• Never allow children or others in or on

towed equipment.

• On slopes, the weight of the towed

equipment may cause loss of traction
and loss of control.

• Travel slowly and allow extra distance

to stop.

V. SERVICE
SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE

To avoid personal injury or property
damage, use extreme care in handling
gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable
and the vapors are explosive.
• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes,

and other sources of ignition.

• Use only approved gasoline container.
• Never remove gas cap or add fuel with

the engine running. Allow engine to
cool before refueling.

• Never fuel the machine indoors.
• Never store the machine or fuel con­

tainer where there is an open flame,
spark, or pilot light such as on a water

heater or other appliances.

• Never fill containers inside a vehicle

or on a truck or trailer bed with plastic
liner. Always place containers on the
ground away from your vehicle when
filling.

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