Important Safe Operation Practices - MTD 31A-2M1A731 Operator's Manual

ImportantSafeOperation Practices
2
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 this machine. Failure to comply
with these instructions may result in personal injury.
When you see this symbol. HEED ITS WARNING!
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
WARNING! Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components
contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and birth defects
or other reproductive harm.
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 Preparation
1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine 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 replacement
parts.
2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation.
Know how to stop the machine and disengage them
quickly.
3. Never allow children under 14 years of age to operate this
machine. Children 14 and over should read and understand
the instructions and safe operation practices in this manual
and on the machine and be trained and supervised by an
adult.
4. Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper
instruction.
5. Thrown objects can cause serious personal injury. Plan
your snow-throwing pattern to avoid discharge of material
toward roads, bystanders and the like.
6. Keep bystanders, pets and children at least 75 feet from the
machine while it is in operation. Stop machine if anyone
enters the area.
Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling, especially
when operating in reverse.
Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used.
Remove all doormats, newspapers, sleds, boards, wires and other
foreign objects, which could be tripped over or thrown by the
auger/impeller.
1. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields during operation
and while performing an adjustment or repair to protect
your eyes. Thrown objects which ricochet can cause serious
injury to the eyes.
2. Do not operate without wearing adequate winter outer
garments. Do not wear jewelry, long scarves or other loose
clothing, which could become entangled in moving parts.
Wear footwear which will improve footing on slippery
surfaces.
3. Use a grounded three-wire extension cord and receptacle
for all machines with electric start engines.
4. Disengage all control levers before starting the engine.
5. Never attempt to make any adjustments while engine is
running, except where specifically recommended in the
operator's manual.
6. Let engine and machine adjust to outdoor temperature
before starting to clear snow.