Craftsman 917.204010 Operator's Manual

Also see for 917.20402: Operator's manual

_I_,DANGER: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet andthrowing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could resultin serious injury or death._WARNING: In order to prevent acciden-tal starting when setting up, transporting,adjusting or making repairs, always discon-nect spark plug wire and place wire whereit cannot contact spark plug._,WARNING: Do not coast down a hill inneutral, you may lose control of the tractor._,WARNING: Tow only the attachmentsthat are recommended by and comply withspecifications of the manufacturer of yourtractor. Use common sense when towing.Operate only at the lowest possible speedwhen on a slope. Too heavy of a load, whileon a slope, is dangerous. Tires can losetraction with the ground and cause you tolose control of your tractor._WARNING: Engine exhaust, some ofits constituents, and certain vehicle compo-nents contain or emit chemicals known tothe State of California to cause cancer andbirth defects or other reproductive harm._,WAR NING: Battery posts, terminals andrelated accessories contain lead and leadcompounds, chemicals known to the State ofCalifornia to cause cancer and birth defectsor other reproductive harm. Wash handsafter handling,I. GENERAL OPERATION• Read, understand, and follow all instruc-tions on the machine and in the manualbefore starting.• Do not put hands or feet near rotatingparts or under the machine. Keep clearof the discharge opening at all times.• Only allow responsible adults, who arefamiliar with the instructions, to operatethe machine.• Clear the area of objects such as rocks,toys, wire, etc., which could be pickedup and thrown by the blades.• Be sure the area is clear of bystandersbefore operating. Stop machine if anyoneenters the area.• Never carry passengers.• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutelynecessary. Always took down and behindbefore and while backing.Never direct discharged material towardanyone. Avoid discharging materialagainst a wall or obstruction. Materialmay ricochet back toward the operator.Stop the blades when crossing gravelsurfaces.Do not operate machine without the en-tire grass catcher, discharge chute, orother safety devices in place and working.• 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, removingthe grass catcher,or unclogging the discharge chute.• Operate machine ontyin daytightorgoodartificial light.Do not operate the machine while underthe influence of alcohol or drugs.• Watch for traffic when operating near orcrossing roadways.• Use extra care when loading or unloadingthe machine into a trailer or truck.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.Followthe 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 to plow leaves or otherdebris which can cause build-up to oc-cur. Clean any oil or fuel spillage beforeoperating or storing the machine. Allowmachine to cool before storage.