Craftsman Mower 50 Owners Manual - Page 3

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