MTD 148-802-000 Owner's Manual page 6

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Rules for Safe Operation (continued)
26. Keep the vehicle and attachments in good operati ng con¬
dition, and keep safety devices in place. Use gu ards as
instructed in operator's manual.
27. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure thi s equip¬
ment is in safe working condition.
28. Never store the machine with fuel in the fuel tani: inside
a building where ignition sources are present, juch as
hot water and space heaters, clothes dryers, and he like.
Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enc losure.
29. To reduce fire hazard, keep engine free of grass leaves
or excessive grease.
30. The vehicle and attachments should be stopped and in¬
spected for damage after striking a foreign obje ct. The
damage should be repaired before restartir g and
operating the equipment.
31. Do not change the engine governor settings or ov( rspeed
the engine.
32. When using the vehicle with mower, proceed as ollows:
(1) Mow only in daylight or in good artificial lie ht.
(2) Never make a cutting height adjustment while engine
is running if operator must dismount to do so.
(3) Shut the engine off and wait until the blade comes
to a complete stop before removing the grass
catcher.
(4) Check blade mounting bolts for proper tightness at
frequent intervals.
33. Check grass catcher bags frequently for wear or
deterioration. For safety protection, replace only with new
bag meeting original equipment specifications.
34. Look behind to make sure the area is clear before plac¬
ing the transmission in reverse and continue looking
behind while backing up. Disengage blades before shift¬
ing into reverse and backing up.
35. This unit should not be driven up a ramp onto a trailer
or truck under power, because the unit could tip over,
causing serious personal injury. The unit must be pushed
manually to load properly.
■1^ IMPORTANT: This unit is shipped WITHOUT GASOLINE or OIL; however, a small amount of oil may
be present from the factory. Do not overfill. After assembly, service engine with gasoline
and oil as instructed in the separate engine manual packed with your unit.
NOTE: Reference to right or lelt hand side of the unit is observed from the driver's seat, fac¬
ing forward. Refer to th( separate deck manual for all information concerning the deck
(if so equipped).
ASSEMBLY
This owner's manual covers various models cf lawn
tractors. The units illustrated may vary slightly from
your unit. Follow the instructions which perlain to
your unit.
UNPACKING
1. Remove the carton from the tractor as follow s. Cut
and remove the bands around the carton. Open
the top flaps and remove all carton inserts. Lift the
carton off the tractor. Roll the tractor off the; skid.
Make certain all parts and literature have been
removed from the carton before the carton is
discarded.
2. Remove page four from this manual and I ly the
contents of the hardware pack on the illus ration
for identification.
BATTERY INFORMATION
A. Battery acid must be handled with great care as
contact with it can burn and blister the skin. It is also
advisable to wear protective clothing (goggies, rub¬
ber gloves and apron) when working with i:.*
B. Should battery acid accidentally splatter into the
eyes or onto the face, rinse the affected area im¬
mediately with clean, cold water. If there is any
further discomfort, seek prompt medical attention.
C. If acid spills on clothing, first dilute It with clean
water, then neutralize with a solution of ammonia/
water or baking soda/water.
D. Since battery acid is corrosive, do not pour it into
any sink or drain. Before discarding empty elec¬
trolyte containers, rinse them with a neutralizing
solution.
E. NEVER connect or disconnect charger clips to bat¬
tery while charger is turned on as it can cause
sparks.
F. Keep all lighted materials (cigarettes, matches,
lighters) away from the battery as the hydrogen gas
generated during charging can be combustible.
G. As a further precaution, only charge the battery in
a well-ventilated area.
*Always shield eyes, protect skin and clothing
when working near batteries.
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