Section 3: Important Safe Operation Practices - MTD OEM-190-823 Operator's Manual

SECTION 3: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

WARNING: THIS SYMBOL POINTS OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS WHICH, IF NOT
FOLLOWED, COULD ENDANGER THE PERSONAL SAFETY AND/OR PROPERTY OF YOURSELF
AND OTHERS. READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING
TO OPERATE YOUR SNOW THROWER. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY
RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY. WHEN YOU SEE THIS SYMBOL-HEED ITS WARNING.
DANGER: Your snow thrower attachment was built to be operated according to the rules for safe
operation in this manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the
operator can result in serious injury. If you violate any of these rules, you may cause serious injury to
yourself or others.
1. TRAINING
• Read this operator's manual carefully in its entirety
before attempting to assemble or operate this
machine. Be completely familiar with the controls
and the proper use of this machine before operating
it. Keep this manual in a safe place for future and
regular reference and for ordering replacement
parts.
• Allow children under 14 years old to operate the
tractor with a snow thrower attachment ONLY under
close parental supervision. Only persons well
acquainted with these rules of safe operation should
be allowed to use the snow thrower.
• No one should operate this unit while intoxicated or
while taking medication that impairs the senses or
reactions.
• Keep the area of operation clear of all persons,
especially small children and pets.
• Exercise caution when operating the tractor with the
snow thrower attachment, especially when traveling
in reverse.
2. PREPARATION
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is
to be used and remove all door mats, sleds, boards,
wires and other foreign objects.
• Do not operate equipment without wearing
adequate winter outer garments. Do not wear
jewelry, long scarfs or other loose clothing which
could become entangled in moving parts.
• Before working with gasoline, extinguish all
cigarettes and other sources of ignition. Check the
fuel before starting the engine. Gasoline is an
extremely flammable fuel. Do not fill the gasoline
tank indoors, while the engine is running, or until
engine has been allowed to cool at least two
minutes. Replace gasoline cap securely and wipe
off any spilled gasoline before starting the engine as
it may cause a fire or explosion.
• Adjust collector housing height to clear gravel or
crushed rock surface.
• Never attempt to make any adjustments while
engine is running (except where specifically
recommended by manufacturer).
• Let the tractor's engine and the machine adjust to
outdoor temperature before starting to clear snow.
• Always wear safety glasses or eye shields during
operation or while performing an adjustment or
repair, to protect eyes from foreign objects that may
be thrown from the machine in any direction.
3. OPERATION
• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating
parts. Keep clear of discharge opening and auger at
all times.
• Exercise extreme caution when operating on or
crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads. Stay alert
for hidden hazards or traffic. Do NOT carry
passengers.
• After striking a foreign object, stop the tractor's
engine and thoroughly inspect the snow thrower for
any damage. Repair the damage before operating
the snow thrower.
• If the snow thrower should start to vibrate
abnormally, stop the tractor's engine and check
immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally a
warning of trouble.
• Stop the tractor's engine whenever you leave the
operating position, before unclogging the collector/
impeller housing or discharge guide, and making
any repairs, adjustments, or inspections. Never
place your hand in the discharge or collector
openings. Use a stick or wooden broom handle to
unclog the discharge opening.
• Take ALL possible precautions when leaving the
unit unattended. Disengage power (tractor's PTO)
to the collector/impeller, shift the tractor into neutral
and stop its engine, set the parking brake and
remove the key.
• When cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make
certain collector/impeller and all moving parts have
stopped completely.
• Do not clear snow across the face of slopes.
Exercise extreme caution when changing direction
on slopes. Do not attempt to clear steep slopes.
• Never operate snow thrower without guards, plates,
or other safety protection devices in place.
• Never operate snow thrower near glass enclosure,
automobiles, window wells, drop offs, etc., without
proper adjustments of snow thrower discharge
angle. Keep children and pets away.
• Do not overload machine capacity by attempting to
clear snow at too fast a rate.
• Never operate the machine with the tractor at high
ground speeds on slippery surfaces. Look behind
and use care when backing.
3