MTD E173 - Manual (Page 3)

3
SECTION 1: IMPORTANT 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 your snow thrower. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in
personal injury. When you see this symbol, heed its warning.
DANGER: Your snow thrower was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this
manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result
in serious injury. If you violate any of these rules, you may cause serious injury to yourself or others.
WARNING:
The Engine Exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Training
• Read this operator's manual carefully in its entirety
before attempting to assemble or operate this
machine. Be completely familiar with the controls
and the proper use of this machine before
operating it. Keep this manual in a safe place for
future and regular reference and for ordering
replacement parts.
• Never allow children under 14 years old to operate
a snow thrower. Children 14 years old and over
should only operate snow thrower under close
parental supervision. Only persons well
acquainted with these rules of safe operation
should be allowed to use your snow thrower.
• No one should operate this unit while intoxicated or
while taking medication that impairs the senses or
reactions.
• Keep the area of operation clear of all persons,
especially small children and pets.
• Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling,
especially when operating in reverse.
Preparation
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment
is to be used and remove all door mats, sleds,
boards, wires and other foreign objects.
• Disengage all clutches and shift into neutral before
starting engine.
• Do not operate equipment without wearing
adequate winter outer garments. Do not wear
jewelry, long scarfs or other loose clothing which
could become entangled in moving parts. Wear
footwear which will improve footing on slippery
surfaces.
• Before working with gasoline, extinguish all
cigarettes and other sources of ignition. Check the
fuel before starting the engine. Gasoline is an
extremely flammable fuel. Do not fill the gasoline
tank indoors, while the engine is running, or until
engine has been allowed to cool at least two
minutes. Replace gasoline cap securely and wipe
off any spilled gasoline before starting the engine
as it may cause a fire or explosion.
• Use a grounded three wire plug-in for all units with
electric drive motors or electric starting motors.
• Adjust collector housing height to clear gravel or
crushed rock surface.
• Never attempt to make any adjustments while
engine is running (except where specifically
recommended by manufacturer).
• Let engine and machine adjust to outdoor
temperature before starting to clear snow.
• Always wear safety glasses or eye shields during
operation or while performing an adjustment or
repair, to protect eyes from foreign objects that
may be thrown from the machine in any direction.
Operation
• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating
parts. Keep clear of discharge opening and auger
at all times.
• Exercise extreme caution when operating on or
crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads. Stay alert
for hidden hazards or traffic.
• After striking a foreign object, stop the engine,
remove wire from spark plug, and thoroughly
inspect the snow thrower for any damage. Repair
the damage before restarting and operating the
snow thrower.
• If the snow thrower should start to vibrate
abnormally, stop the engine and check
immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally a
warning of trouble.
• Stop engine whenever you leave the operating
position, before unclogging the collector/impeller
housing or discharge guide, and making any
repairs, adjustments, or inspections. Never place
your hand in the discharge or collector openings.
Use a stick or wooden broom handle to unclog the
discharge opening.
• Take all possible precautions when leaving the unit
unattended. Disengage the collector/impeller, shift
into neutral, stop the engine, and remove the key.
• When cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make
certain collector/impeller and all moving parts have