Craftsman 277152 - Safety Rules; Training; Preparation; Operation

1. Safety Rules
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
IMPORTANT: THIS CUI-rlNG MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS. FAILURE
TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
@ I. Training
Readtheinstrueitonscarefully.Befamiliarwiththecontrots
andtheproperuseoftheequipment.
• Neverallowchildrenorpeopleunfamiliarwiththeinstruc-
tionstousethelawnmower.Localregulationsmayrestdct
theageoftheoperator.
• Nevermowwhilepeople,especiallychildren,orpetsare
nearby.
• Keepinmindthat theoperatoror userisresponsible_r
accidentsor hazardsoccurringto otherpeopleor their
property.
• Do notcarrypassengers.
Alldriversshouldseekandobtainprofessionalandprac-
ticalinstruction.Suchinstructionshouldemphasize:
- the need forcare and concentrationwhenworking
withride-onmachines;
- controlof a ride-onmachinesliding on a slopewill
notbe regainedbythe applicationofthe brake.
The mainreasonsfor lossofcontrolare:
a) insufficientwheelgrip;
b) beingdriventoofast;
c) inadequatebraking;
d) thetype of machine isunsuitableforitstask;
e) lack of awareness of the effect of ground
conditfens,especiallyslopes;
f) incorrecthitchingandloaddistribution.
II. Preparation
• While mowing, alwayswear substantialfootwearandlong
trousers. Do nut operate the equipment when barefoot
or wearing open sandals.
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to
be usedancl remove all objectswhich may be thrown by
the machine.
WARNING - Petrol is highly flammable.
- Store fuel in containers specifically designed for this
purpose.
Refuel outdoors only and do not smoke while rafu-
sling.
- Add fuel before star'dngthe engine. Never remove
the cap.ofthe fuel tank oradd petrol while the engine
is mnmng or when the engine is hot.
- If petrol is spilled do not attempt to start the engine
but move the mechine away from the arsa of sp age
and avoid creating any source of ignition until petrol
vapors have dissipated.
- Replace all fuel tanks and container caps securely.
Replace faulty silencers.
Before using, always visually inspect to see that the
blades, blade bolts and cutter assembly are not worn or
damaged. Replace worn or damaged blades and bolts
in sets to preserve balance.
On multi-bladed machines, takecars asrotatingone blade
can cause other blades to rotate.
3
IlL Operation
Do not operate the engine in a confined space where
dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.
Mow only in daylight or in good artfficial light.
Before attempting to start the engine, disengage all blade
attachment clutches end shift into neutral.
DO not use on slopes of more than 10°.
Remember there is no such thing as a =safe" slope. Travel
on grassslopes requires particular care. Toguard against
oveduming;
- do not stopor atart suddenly when goiog up ordown-
hill;
- engage clutch slowly, always keep machine in gear,
especially when traveling downhill;
- machine speeds should be kept low on slopes and
during tight turns;
- stay alert for humps and hollows and other hidden
hazards;
- never mow across the face of the slope, unless the
lawnmower is designed for this purpose.
Use care when pulling loads or using heavy equipment.
- Use only approved drawbar hitch points°
- Limit loads to those you can safely control
- Do not turn sharply. Use care when reversing.
- Use counterweight(s) or wheel weights when sug-
gested in the instruction handbook.
Watch out for traffic when crossing or near roadways.
Stop the blades from rotating before crossing surfaces
other than grass.
When using any attachments, never direct discharge of
material toward bystanders nor allow anyone near the
machine while in operation.
Never operate the lawnmower with defective guards,
shields or without safety protective devices in place.
Do notchange the engine governor settings or overspeed
the engine. Operating the engine at excessive speed may
increase the hazard of personal injury.
Before leaving the operator's position:
- disengage the power take-off and lower the attach-
ments;
- change into neutral and set the parking brake;
- stop the engine and remove the key.
Disengage drive to attachments, stop the engine, and
disconnect the spark plug wire(s) or remove the ignition
key.
before cleaning blockages or unclogging chute;
before checking, cleaning or working on the lawn-
mower;
- afterstrikingaforeignobject. Inspectthelawnmower
for damage and make repairs before restading and
operating the equipment;
if the machine starts to vibrate abnormally (check
immediately).
Disengage drive to attachments when transporting or not
in use.
Stop the engine and disengage drive to attachment
- before refueling;
- before removing the grass catcher;
- before making height adjustment unless adjustment
can be made from the operator's position.