MTD Series 521 - Manual (Page 5)

5
2
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
this machine. Failure
to comply with these
instructions may result
in personal injury.
When you see
this symbol.
HEED ITS WARNING
Your
Responsibility
Restrict the use
of this power machine
to persons who read,
understand
and follow the warnings
and instructions
in this manual
and on the machine.
up and thrown by the blade. Thrown objects
can cause serious personal injury.
6. Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles
during operation and while performing
an adjustment or repair to protect your
eyes. Thrown objects which ricochet can
cause serious injury to the eyes.
7. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and
close-fitting slacks and shirts. Shirts and
pants that cover the arms and legs and
steel-toed shoes are recommended. Never
operate this machine in bare feet, sandals,
slippery or light weight (e.g. canvas) shoes.
8. Never attempt to make any adjustments while
the engine is running, except where specifically
recommended in the operator’s manual.
9. To avoid personal injury or property damage
use extreme care in handling gasoline.
Gasoline is extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive. Serious personal injury
can occur when gasoline is spilled on yourself
or your clothes which can ignite. Washer
your skin and change clothes immediately.
10. Do not put hands or feet near rotating
parts. Contact with the rotating blade
can amputate hands and feet.
11. The blade control handle is a safety device.
Never bypass its operation. Doing so, makes the
machine unsafe and may cause personal injury.
12. Never operate without blade guard, debris shield
and blade control handle in place and working.
13. Never operate with damaged safety devices.
Failure to do so, can result in personal injury.
14. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly
ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.
15. Do not operate machine while under
the influence of alcohol or drugs.
16. Muffler and engine become hot and
can cause a burn. Do not touch.
17. Never operate this machine without good visibility
or light. Always be sure of your footing and keep
a firm hold on the handles. Walk, never run.
18. Do not operate this machine if it has been
dropped or damaged. Return machine
to your nearest authorized servicing
dealer for examination and repair.
29. Do not operate this machine with a damaged
or excessively worn cutting blade.
20. Never attempt to clear material from the
blade guard while the engine is running.
Shut the engine off, disconnect the spark
plug wire and ground against the engine
to prevent unintended starting.
21. Do not overload machine capacity by
attempting to edge at too fast of a rate.
22. Stay alert for uneven sidewalks, terrain etc.
Always push slowly over rough surfaces. Do
not use this machine on gravel surfaces.
23. Do not operate machine in rain
or wet soil conditions.
Always operate machine from behind the handles
and position yourself where the direct line of
sight to cutting blade is blocked by guards.
24. Always stop engine when edging or
trimming is delayed or when transporting
machine from one location to another.
Never leave a running machine unattended.
Stop the engine, disconnect spark plug
wire and ground against the engine
to prevent unintended starting.
25. Only use parts and accessories made for
this machine by the manufacturer. Failure
to do so, can result in personal injury.
26. If situations occur which are not covered in
this manual, use care and good judgment.
Call 1-800-800-7310 for Customer Support
and the name of your nearest dealer.
Service
1. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly
ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.
2. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting,
make certain the blade and all moving
parts have stopped. Disconnect the
spark plug wire and ground against the
engine to prevent unintended starting.
3. Check the blade and engine mounting bolts
at frequent intervals for proper tightness.
Also, visually inspect blade for damage
(e.g., bent, cracked, worn) Replace blade
with the original equipment manufacture’s
(O.E.M.) blade only, listed in this manual.
“Use of parts which do not meet the original
equipment specifications may lead to improper
performance and compromise safety!”
4. Lawn edger blades are sharp and can cut.
Wrap the blade or wear gloves, and use
extra caution when servicing them.
5. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure
the equipment is in safe working condition.
6. Never tamper with safety devices. Check
their proper operation regularly.
7. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine,
disconnect the spark plug wire and ground
against the engine. Thoroughly inspect the
lawn edger for any damage. Repair the damage
before starting and operating the lawn edger.
8. Never attempt to make a wheel or cutting
height adjustment while the engine is running.
9. Many components on your new edger can
wear with continued use. For safety protection,
frequently check all edger components and
replace immediately with original equipment
manufacturer’s (O.E.M.) parts only, listed in this
manual. “Use of parts which do not meet the
original equipment specifications may lead to
improper performance and compromise safety!”
10. Do not change the engine governor setting or
overspeed the engine. The governor controls the
maximum safe operating speed of the engine.
11. Maintain or replace safety labels, as necessary.
12. Observe proper disposal laws and
regulations. Improper disposal of fluids
and materials can harm the environment.