Safe Operation - MTD 340 Series 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 TILLER. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE
INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY. WHEN YOU SEE THIS SYMBOL-- HEED
ITS WARNING.
WARNING:
The Engine Exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
DANGER: Your tiller 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. This tiller is capable of amputating hands and feet. Failure to observe the
following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.
1. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read this operator's manual carefully in its entirety •
before attempting to assemble this machine. Read,
understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual(s) before operation. Be •
completely familiar with the controls and the proper
use of the machine before operating it. Keep this
manual in a safe place for future and regular
reference and for ordering replacement parts. •
• Your tiller is a powerful tool, not a plaything.
Therefore, exercise extreme caution at all times. °
Your unit has been designed to perform one job: to
till soil. Do not use it for any other purpose.
• Never allow children under age 14 to operate the
unit. Children 14 years and older should only
operate the unit under close parental supervision. *
Only responsible individuals who are familiar with
these rules of safe operation should be allowed to
use your unit.
• Do not operate tiller while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
• Keep the area of operation clear of all persons,
particularly small children and pets. Stop the
engine when they are in the vicinity of your tiller.
• Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close •
fitting slacks and shirt. Shirt and slacks that cover
the arms and legs and steel-toed shoes are
recommended. Do not wear loose fitting clothes or
jewelry and secure hair so it is above shoulder
length. They can be caught in moving parts. Never •
operate a unit in bare feet, sandals or sneakers.
• Operate tiller only in daylight or good artificial light.
• Do not start tiller unless the shift lever (if provided)
is in the neutral (N) position.
• Do not allow anyone to stand or walk in front of
tiller when starting or running engine.
Do not place feet or hands on or near the tines
when starting the engine or while the engine is
running.
Never attempt to make depth bar, tine width, cable,
handle, or wheel adjustments while the engine is
running.
Do not leave the tiller unattended with the engine
running.
Before attempting to remove rocks, bricks and
other objects from tines, stop the engine and be
sure the tines have stopped completely. Disconnect
the spark plug wire and move it away from the
spark plug.
If your machine should start making an unusual
noise or vibration, immediately stop the engine and
allow the machine to come to a complete stop.
Disconnect the spark plug wire and move it away
from the spark plug. Take the following steps:
• Inspect for damage.
• Repair or replace any damaged parts.
• Check for any loose parts and tighten to
assure continued safe operation.
Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a
burn. Do not touch.
Keep all shields, guards and safety devices in
place and operating properly.
Use caution when tilling near fences, buildings and
underground utilities. Rotating tines can cause
damage or injury.
Do not operate engine if air cleaner or cover over
carburetor air intake is removed, except for
adjustment. Removal of such parts could create a
fire hazard.