MTD 660 Series Owner's Manual page 2

IMPORTANT
OPERATION PRACTICES
THIS SYMBOLPOINTS OUT IMPORTANTSAF-TY INSTRUCTIONSWHICH, IF NOT FOLLOWED,COULD ENDANGER THE PERSON-
AL SAFETY AND/OR PROPERTY OF YOURSELF AND OTHERS. READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL
BEFORE ATTEMPTINGTO OPERATEYOUR UIkiT. WHENYOU SEETHIS SYMBOL-- _ REEDITS WARNING.
I_ This cutting machine is czpable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe
DANGER:
the following safety instru:tions could result in serious injury or death.
I. GENERALOPERATION
1. Read,understand, and follow all instructions in the nianual and
on the machine before starting. Keep this manua in a safe
place for future reference and for ordering replacemeit parts.
2. Only allow responsible adults familiar with the instructions to
operate the machine. Know controls and how tc stop the
machine quickly.
3. Do not put hands or feet under cutting deck or ne;r rotating
parts.
4. Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, ,_tc.which
could be picked up and thrown by the blade. A sn_all object
may have been overlooked and could be accidently :hrown by
the mower in any direction and cause injury to you or a
bystander. Always wear safety glasses or eye shie ds during
operation or while performing an adjustment or rep_ir, to pro-
tect eyes from foreign objects. Stop the blade(s) wl en cross-
ing gravel drives, walks or roads.
5. Be sure the area is clear of other people before moiling. Stop
machine if anyoneenters the area.
6. Nevercarry passengers.
7. Disengageblade(s) before shifting into reverse and b]cking up.
Always look down and behind before and while backi ig.
8. Be aware of the mower and attachment discharge dir ,,ctionand
do not point it at anyone. Do not operate the mow ;r without
either the entire grass catcher or the chute guard in p ace.
9. Slow down before turning. Operate the tractor smool hly. Avoid
erratic operation and excessive speed.
10. Never leave a running machine unattended. Alway_ turn off
blade(s), place transmission in neutral, set park b ake, stop
engine and remove key before dismounting.
11. Turn off blade(s) when not mowing.
12. Stop engine and wait until blade(s) comes to a corn31etestop
before (a) removing grass catcher or unclogging ch ite, or (b)
making any repairs, adjusting or removing any grass 3r debris.
13. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
14. Do not operate the machine while under the influen( e of alco-
hol or drugs.
15. Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roaJways.
16. Use extra care when loading or unloading the mactine into a
trailer or truck. This unit should not be driven up (r down a
ramp onto a trailer or truck under power, becaus,_ the unit
could tip over, causing serious personal injury. The unit must
be pushed manually to load or unload properly.
17. Never make a cutting height adjustment while engi ]e is run-
ning if operator must dismount to do so.
18. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-fitt ng slacks
and shirts. Do not wear loose fitting clothes or jewelry. They
can be caught in moving parts. Never operate a ur it in bare
feet, sandals, or sneakers.
19. Check overhead clearance carefully before driving un Jer power
lines, wires, bridges or low hanging tree branch_ s, before
entering or leaving buildings, or in any other situat on where
the operator may be struck or pulled from the u_it, which
could result in serious injury.
20. Disengage all attachment clutches, thoroughly de_ress the
brake pedal, and shift into neutral before attempting to start
engine.
II. SLOPEOPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-over
accidents which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes
require extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel
uneasy on it, do not mow it.
DO:
Mow up and down slopes, not across.
Remove obstacles such as rocks, limbs, etc.
Watch for holes, ruts or bumps. Uneventerrain could overturn the
machine. Tall grasscan hide obstacles.
Use slow speed. Choose a low enough gear so that you will not
have to stop or shift while on the slope. Always keeptractor in gear
when going down slopes to take advantage of engine braking
action.
Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel weights or
counterweights to improve stability.
Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. These can
change the stability of the machine.
Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not make
sudden changes in speed or direction. Rapid engagement or brak-
ing could cause the front of the machine to lift and rapidly flip over
backwards whichcould cause serious injury.
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, disen-
gage the blade(s) and proceed slowly straightdown the slope.
For your safety, use the slope gauge included as part of this manual
to measure slopes before operating this unit on a sloped or hilly
area. If the slope is greater than 15° as shown on the slope gauge,
do not operate this unit on that area or serious injury could result.
DO NOT:
Do not turn on slopes unless necessary; then, turn slowly and
gradually downhill, if possible.
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments. A wheel over
the edge or an edge caving in could cause sudden overturn.
Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding.
Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the
ground.
Do notuse grass catcher on steep slopes.
III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the pres-
ence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine and
the mowing activity. Never assume that children will remain where
you last saw them.
1. Keep children out of the mowing area and in watchful care of
an adult other than the operator.
2. Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.
3. Before and when backing, look behind and downfor small chil-
dren.
4. Never carry children. They may fall off and he seriously injured
or interfere with the safe machine operation.
5. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate the
machine. Children 14 years and over should only operate
machine under close parental supervision and proper instruc-
tion.
6. Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees
or other objects that may obscure vision.