MTD 143-990 Operating/Service Instructions Manual

GARDEN TRACTOR
I IMPORTANT
Model No
143-990
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 instruction.
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 (motor).
6. Disengage power to attachment(s) and stop engine
(motor) before leaving operator position.
7. Disengage power to attachment(s) and stop engine
(motor) before making any repairs or adjustments.
8. Disengage power to attachment(s) when transporting
or not in use.
9. Take all possible precautions when leaving vehicle
unattended such as disengaging power-take-off, low¬
ering attachments, shifting into neutral, setting park¬
ing 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 prevent
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 equip¬
ment.
A. Use only approved drawbar hitch points.
B. Limit loads to those you can safety 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 roadways.
15. When using any attachments never direct discharge 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 running or
hot engine or fill fuel tank indoors. Wipe up spilled
gasoline.
C. Open doors if engine is run in garage—exhaust
fumes are dangerous. Do not run engine (motor)
indoors.
17. Keep the vehicle and attachments in good operating
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 (motor) is running if operator must dismount
to do so.
(3) Shut engine (motor) off when removing grass
catcher and/or unclogging chute.
(4) Check blade mounting bolts for proper tightness at
frequent intervals.
24. Check grass catcher bags frequently for wear or
deterioration. Replace with new bags for safety
protection.
MTD PRODUCTS INC
• 5389 WEST 130 th STREET • P. O. BOX 2741 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44111
FORM NO. 770-4153