MTD 250 - Manual (Page 3)

3
2
Safe
Operation
Practices
WARNING: Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle compo-
nents contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
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 man-
ual 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!
DANGER: This machine 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. This machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects.
Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.
Training
1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine
and in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and
operate. Keep this manual in a safe place for future and
regular reference and for ordering replacement parts.
2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation. Know
how to stop the machine and disengage them quickly.
3. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate this
machine. Children 14 years old and over should read and
understand the operation instructions and safety rules in
this manual and should be trained and supervised by a
parent.
4. Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper
instruction.
5. Keep bystanders, helpers, pets and children at least 75 feet
from the machine while it is in operation. Stop machine if
anyone enters the area.
Preparation
1. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be
used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, and other foreign
objects which could be tripped over and cause personal
injury.
2 Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close fitting
slacks and shirt. Loose fitting clothes or jewelry can be
caught in movable parts. Never operate this machine in bare
feet or sandals.
3. Disengage clutch levers and shift (if provided) into neutral
(“N”) before starting the engine.
4. Never leave this machine unattended with the engine
running.
5. Never attempt to make any adjustments while engine is
running, except where specifically recommended in the
operator’s manual.
6. 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. Wash your skin and change clothes
immediately.
7. Use only an approved gasoline container.
8. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of
ignition.
9. Never fuel machine indoors.
10. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine is hot or
running.
11. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling
12. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than ½ inch
below bottom of filler neck to provide space for fuel
expansion.
13. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
14. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and
equipment. Move machine to another area. Wait 5
minutes before starting the engine.
15. Never store the machine or fuel container inside near an
open flame, spark or pilot light (e.g. furnace, water or
space heater, clothes dryer etc.).
16. Allow machine to cool 5 minutes before storing.
Operation
1. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts. Contact with
the rotating parts can amputate hands and feet.
2. Do not operate machine while under the influence of alcohol
or drugs.
3. Never operate this machine without good visibility or light.
Always be sure of your footing and keep a firm hold on the
handles.
4. Keep bystanders, helpers, pets, and children at least 75 feet
from the machine while it is in operation. Stop the machine if
anyone enters the area.
5. Be careful when tilling in hard ground. The tines may catch
in the ground and propel the tiller forward. If this occurs, let
go of the handle bars and do not restrain the machine.
6. Exercise extreme caution when operating on or crossing
gravel surfaces. Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic. Do
not carry passengers.
7. Never operate the machine at high transport speeds on hard
or slippery surfaces.
8. Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.
9. Look down and behind and use care when in reverse or
pulling machine towards you.
10. Start the engine according to the instructions found in this
manual and keep feet well away from the tines at all times.
11. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect
the spark plug wire and ground against the engine
Thoroughly inspect the machine for any damage. Repair the
damage before starting and operating.
12. Disengage all clutch levers (if fitted) and stop engine before
you leave the operating position (behind the handles). Wait
until the tines come to a complete stop before unclogging
the tines, making any adjustments, or inspections.
13. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and
deadly gas.
14. Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do
not touch.
15. Use caution when tilling near fences, buildings and
underground utilities. Rotating tines can cause property
damage or personal injury.