Safe Operation Practices - MTD 170-TOA Operator's Manual

Important Safe Operation Practices
WARNING!
could endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow
all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate the equipment. Failure to
comply with these instructions may result in personal injury. When you see this symbol.
HEED IT'S WARNING!
DANGER! This machine was built to be operated according to the safe operation practices
in this manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the
operator can result in serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating fingers, hands,
toes and feet and throwing foreign objects. Failure to observe the following safety
instructions could result in serious injury or death.
Training
1. Read, understand and follow all instructions on the engine
and in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and
operate. Keep this manual in a safe place for future and
regular reference and for ordering replacment parts.
2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation.
Know how to stop the engine and disengage them quickly.
3. Never allow children under 14 years of age to operate the
engine. Children 14 and over should read and understand
the instructions and safe operation practices in this manual
and on the engine and be trained and supervised by an
adult.
4. Never allow adults to operate the machine without proper
instruction.
5. Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, particularly
small children and pets. Stop machine if anyone enters the
area.
Preparation
1. Thouroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to
be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire and other foreign
objects which could be tripped over and cause personal
injury.
2. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close fitting
slacks and shirts. Loose fitting clothes or jewelry can be
caught in the moving parts. Never operate the machine in
bare feet or sandals.
3. Disengage clutch levers and shift (if equipped) into nuetral
("N") before starting the engine.
4. Never leave the engine running while unattended.
5. Never attempt to make any adjustments while the engine
is running, except where specifically recommended in the
operator's manual.
This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed,
Safe Handling of Gasoline:
6. To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme
care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable
and the vapors are explosive. Serious personal injury can
occur when gasoline is splled on yourself and/or your
clothes which can ignite. Wash your skin and change
clothes immediately.
a. When adding fuel, turn engine OFF and let engine
cool at least 2 minutes before removing the gas cap.
b. Fill fuel tank outdoors or in well ventilated area.
c. Use only an approved gasoline container.
d. Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck
or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place
containers on the ground away from your vehicle
before filling.
e. If possible, remove gas-powered equipment from
the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this
is not possible, then refuel such equipment on a
trailer with a portable container, rather than from a
gasoline dispenser nozzle.
f. 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.
g. Do not overfill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than
1⁄2 inch below the bottom of the filler neck to allow
space for fuel expansion.
h. Replace gasoline cap and tighten it securely.
i. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and the
equipment. Move the machine to another area. Wait
five minutes before starting the engine.
j. To reduce fire hazards, keep the machine free of
grass , leaves or other debris build up. Clean up oil or
fuel spillage and remove any fuel-soaked debris.
k. Keep gasoline away from sparks, open flames, pilot
lights, heat, and other ignition sources.
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