MTD 145-660A Manual page 2

I IMPORTANT
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES FOR RIDING VEHICLES
1. Know the controls and how to stop quickly—
READ THE OWNER'S MANUAL.
2. Do not allow children to operate vehicle. Do not
allow adults to operate it without proper instruc¬
tion.
3. Do not carry passengers. Keep children and pets a
safe distance away.
4. Clear work area of objects which might be picked
up and thrown.
5. Disengage all attachment clutches and shift into
neutral before attempting to start engine .
6. Disengage power to attachment(s) and stop engine
before leaving operator position.
7. Disengage power to attachment(s) and stop en¬
gine before making any repairs or adjustments.
8. Disengage power to attachment(s) when transport¬
ing or not in use.
9. Take all possible precautions when leaving ve¬
hicle unattended such as disengaging power-
take-off, lowering attachments, shifting into neu¬
tral, setting parking brake, stopping engine and
removing key.
10. Do not stop or start suddenly when going uphill or
downhill. Mow up and down face of steep
slopes; never across the face.
11. Reduce speed on slopes and in sharp turns to pre¬
vent tipping or loss of control. Exercise extreme
caution when changing direction on slopes.
12. Stay alert for holes in terrain and other hidden
hazards.
13. Use care when pulling loads or using heavy
equipment.
A. Use only approved drawbar hitch points.
B. Limit loads to those you can safely control.
C. Do not turn sharply. Use care when backing.
D. Use counterweight(s) or wheel weights when
suggested in owner's manual.
14. Watch out for traffic when crossing or near road¬
ways.
15. When using any attachments never direct dis¬
charge of material toward bystanders nor allow
anyone near vehicle while in operation.
16. Handle gasoline with care-it is highly flammable.
A. Use approved gasoline container.
B. Never remove cap or add gasoline to a run¬
ning or hot engine or fill fuel tank indoors.
Wipe up spilled gasoline.
C. Open doors if engine is run in garage — ex¬
haust fumes are dangerous. Do not run engine
indoors.
17. Keep the vehicle and attachments in good operat¬
ing condition, and keep safety devices in place.
Use guards as instructed in owner's manual.
18. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure
the equipment is in safe working condition.
19. Never store the equipment with gasoline in the
tank inside a building where fumes may reach an
open flame or spark. Allow engine to cool before
storing in any enclosure.
20. To reduce fire hazard keep engine free of grass,
leaves or excessive grease.
21. The vehicle and attachments should be stopped
and inspected for damage after striking a foreign
object, and the damage should be repaired before
restarting and operating the equipment.
22. Do not change the engine governor settings or
overspeed the engine.
23. When using the vehicle with mower, proceed as
follows:
(1) Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
(2) Never make a cutting height adjustment while
engine is running if operator must dismount to
do so.
(3) Shut engine off when removing grass catcher
and/or unclogging chute.
(4) Check blade mounting bolts for proper tight¬
ness at frequent intervals.
24. Check grass catcher bags frequently for wear or
deterioration. Replace with new bags for safety
protection.
25. Look behind to make sure the area is clear before
placing the transmission in reverse and backing
up.
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