MTD 390 Series - Manual (Page 4)

4
Safe
Operation
Practices
WARNING: Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle
components 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 in-
structions 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 oper-
ate 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
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.
Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation.
Know how to stop the machine.
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.
Never allow adults to operate this machine without
proper instruction.
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
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.
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.
Disengage clutch levers and shift (if provided) into
neutral (“N”) before starting the engine.
Never leave this machine unattended with the engine
running.
Never attempt to make any adjustments while engine
is running, except where specifically recommended in
the operator’s manual.
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.
Use only an approved gasoline container.
Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other
sources of ignition.
Never fuel machine indoors.
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Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine
is hot or running.
Allow engine to cool at least two minutes before
refueling
Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than ½
inch below bottom of filler neck to provide space for
fuel expansion.
Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and
equipment. Move machine to another area. Wait five
minutes before starting the engine.
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.).
Allow machine to cool five minutes before storing.
Operation
Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts. Contact
with the rotating parts can amputate hands and feet.
Do not operate machine while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
Never operate this machine without good visibility or
light. Always be sure of your footing and keep a firm
hold on the handles.
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.
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.
Exercise extreme caution when operating on or
crossing gravel surfaces. Stay alert for hidden
hazards or traffic.
Never operate the machine at high transport speeds
on hard or slippery surfaces.
Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.
Look down and behind and use care when in reverse
or pulling machine towards you.
Start the engine according to the instructions found
in this manual and keep feet well away from the tines
at all times.
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