Craftsman 917.20380 Operator's Manual

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4SAFETY RULES• Slow down before turning.• Never leave a running machine unat-tended. Always turn off blades, setparking brake, stop engine, and removekeys before dismounting.• Disengage blades when not mowing.Shut off engine and wait for all parts tocome to a complete stop before cleaningthe machine, removing the grass catcher,or unclogging the discharge chute.• Operate machine only in daylight or goodartificial light.• Do not operate the machine while underthe influence of alcohol or drugs.• Watch for traffic when operating near orcrossing roadways.• Use extreme caution when loading orunloading the machine into a trailer ortruck.• Always wear eye protection when operat-ing machine.• Use ear protectors to avoid damage tohearing.• Data indicates that operators, age 60years and above, are involved in a largepercentage of riding mower-related inju-ries. These operators should evaluatetheir ability to operate the riding mowersafely enough to protect themselves andothers from serious injury.• Follow the manufacturer's recommenda-tion for wheel weights or counterweights.• Keep machine free of grass, leaves orother debris build-up which can touch hotexhaust / engine parts and burn. Do notallow the mower deck to plow leaves orother debris which can cause build-upto occur. Clean any oil or fuel spillagebefore operating or storing the machine.Allow machine to cool before storage.III. SLOPE OPERATIONWARNING! When loading or unloadingthis machine, do not exceed the maximumrecommended operation angle of 15°.Slopes are a major factor related to loss ofcontrol and tip-over accidents, which canresult in severe injury or death. Operationon all slopes requires extreme caution. Ifyou cannot back up the slope or if you feeluneasy on it, do not mow it.• Mow up and down slopes, not across.• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, orother hidden objects. Uneven terraincould overturn the machine. Tall grasscan hide obstacles.• Choose a low ground speed so that youwill not have to stop or shift while on theslope.• Do not mow on wet grass. Tires maylose traction. Always keep the machinein gear when going down slopes.• Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.• Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on aslope. If the tires lose traction, disengagethe blades and proceed slowly straightdown the slope.• Keep all movement on the slopes slowand gradual. Do not make suddenchanges in speed or direction, whichcould cause the machine to roll over.• Use extreme caution while operatingmachine with grass catchers or otherat tachments; they can affect the stabil-ity of the machine. Do no use on steepslopes.• Do not try to stabilize the machine byputting your foot on the ground.• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches,or embankments. The machine couldsuddenly roll over if a wheel is over theedge or if the edge caves in.• If machine stops while going uphill,disengage blades, shift into reverse andback down slowly.• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary,and then, turn slowly and graduallydownhill, if possible.IV. TOWING• Tow only with a machine that has a hitchdesigned for towing. Do not attach towedequipment except at the hitch point.• Follow the manufacturer's recommenda-tion for weight limits for towed equipmentand towing on slopes.• Never allow children or others in or ontowed equipment.• On slopes, the weight of the towed equip-ment may cause loss of traction and lossof control.• Travel slowly and allow extra distance tostop.61NOTES/AVISO