Craftsman 37624 Owners Manual - Page 3

I. GENERAL OPERATION . Always wear safety goggles or safety • Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the glasses with side shields when operating mower. manual(s) before starting. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and the proper use of the machine before starting. • Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear of the dis- charge opening at all times. • Only allow responsible individuals, who are familiar with the instructions, to operate the machine. • Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc., which could be picked up and thrown by blade. • Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area. Ii. SLOPE OPERATION Slopes are a major factor related to slip & fa!l accidents which can result in severe in- jury. All slopes require extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it. DO: • Mow across the face of slopes: never up and down. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes. • Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc. • Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall grass can hide obstacles. DO NOT: • Do not operate the mower when barefoot or wearing open sandals. Always wear substantial foot wear. • Do not pull mower backwards unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while moving backwards. • Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction. Material may richochet back toward the operator. Stop the blade when crossing gravel surfaces. • Do not operate the mower without proper guards, plates, grass catcher or other safety protective devices in place. • See manufacturer's instructions for proper operation and installation of accessories. Only use accessories approved by the manufacturer. • Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads. • Stop the engine (motor) whenever you leave the equipment, before cleaning the mower or unclogging the chute. • Shut the engine (motor) off and wait until • Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or embankments. The operator could lose footing or balance. • Do not trim excessively steep slopes. • Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced foot- ing could cause slipping. 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 trimming area and under the watchful care of another responsible adult. • Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area. • Before and while walking backwards, look behind and down for small children. • Never allow children to operate the machine. • Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision. the blade comes to complete stop before IV. SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE removing grass catcher. • Mow only in daylight or good artificial Use extreme care in handling gasoline. light. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the • Do not operate the machine while under vapors are explosive. the influence of alcohol or drugs. • Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes • Never operate machine in wet grass. and other sources of ignition. Always be sure of your footing: keep a firm hold on the handle; walk, never run. • Use only an approved container. • Never remove gas cap or add fuel with • Disengage the self-propelled mech- the engine running. Allow engine to cool anism or drive clutch on mowers so before refueling. • Never refuel the machine indoors. equipped before starting the engine. • Never store the machine or fue! contain- • If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine (motor) and er where there is an open flame, spark check immediately for the cause. Vibra- or pilot light such as a water heater or on tion is generally a warning of trouble. other appliances. 3