Craftsman 917.98636, Operator'S Manual, Page: 5 / 36

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• Remove gas-powered equipment from
the truck or trailer and refuel it on the
ground. If this is not possible, then refuel
such equipment with a portable container,
rather than from a gasoline dispenser
nozzle.
• Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim
of the fuel tank or container opening at
all times until fueling is complete. Do not
use a nozzle lock-open device.
• If fuel is spilled on clothing, change cloth-
ing immediately.
• Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas cap
and tighten securely.
GENERAL SERVICE
• Never operate machine in a closed area.
• Keep all nuts and bolts tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
• Maintain or replace safety and instruction
labels, as necessary.
• Be sure the area is clear of bystanders
before operating. Stop machine if anyone
enters the area.
• Never carry passengers.
•
Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely
necessary. Always look down and behind
before and while backing.
• Never carry children, even with the
blades shut off. They may fall off and
be seriously injured or interfere with safe
machine operation. Children who have
been given rides in the past may suddenly
appear in the mowing area for another
ride and be run over or backed over by
the machine.
• Keep children out of the mowing area
and in the watchful care of a responsible
adult other than the operator.
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check
their proper operation regularly.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or
other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel
spillage and remove any fuel-soaked de-
bris. Allow machine to cool before storing.
• If you strike a foreign object, stop and
inspect the machine. Repair, if necessary,
before restarting.
• Never make any adjustments or repairs
with the engine running.
• Check grass catcher components and the
discharge chute frequently and replace
with manufacturer’s recommended parts,
when necessary.
• Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade
or wear gloves, and use extra caution
when servicing them.
• Check brake operation frequently. Adjust
and service as required.
• Be alert and turn machine off if a child
enters the area.
• Before and while backing, look behind
and down for small children.
• Mow up and down slopes (15° Max), not
across.
• Choose a low ground speed so that you
will not have to stop or shift while on the
slope.
• Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a
slope. If the tires lose traction, disengage
the blades and proceed slowly straight
down the slope.
• If machine stops while going uphill,
disengage blades, shift into reverse and
back down slowly.
• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary,
and then, turn slowly and gradually
downhill, if possible.
• When loading or unloading this machine,
do not exceed the maximum recom-
mended operation angle of 15°.
SAFETY RULES