Craftsman 102.249020 Owner's Manual page 3

• Turn off blades when not mowing.
• Stop engine before removing grass catcher or
unclogging chute.
• Mow only 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
roadways.
• Use extra care when loading or unloading the
machine into a trailer or truck. Secure unit chassis to
transport vehicle. Never secure from linkage which
could become damaged.
• Do not touch parts which are hot from operation.
ALWAYS allow parts to cool.
• Do not operate mower unless bagger is attached or
guards are in operating position.
SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and
tip-over acciderlts, which can result in severe injury or
death. All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot
back up the slope or you feel uneasy on it, do not mow
it.
DO:
• Mow up and down slopes, not across them.
• 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 slow speed. When necessary, move Travel-
Steering Control Levers slowly and smoothlywhile
on 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 moverhents on the slope slowand gradual
Do not make sudden changes in the speed or
direction.
• Avoid starting or stopping on the slope. If tires lose
traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly
straight down the slope.
DO NOT:
• Do not operate with grass catcher unless front
counterweight is installed.
• Do not mow across slopes.
• Do not turn on the slopes unless necessary, and
then turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
• Do not mow near dropcffs, 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 try to stabilize the machine by putting your
foot on the ground.
• Do not use grass catcher on steep slbpes.
• Do not operate on slopes over 10" maximum.
• Do ..not park on slopes unless necessary. When
parking on slope always chock or block wheels.
Always set parking brake.
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 under the
watchful care of another responsible adult.
• Be alert and turn off machine if children enter the
area.
• Before and when backing up, 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,
SERVICE
• Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels.
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 nuts and bolts tight, especially blade
attachment bolts, and keep equipment in good
condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris
buildup, Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to
cool before storing.
• Stop and inspect equipment if you strike an object.
Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
• Never make adjustments 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
necessary.
• Mower blades are sharp and can cut you. Wrap the
blade(s) or wear gloves, and use extra caution when
servicing
them,
• Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service
as required.
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