MTD 330 Series - 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 this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may
result in personal injury. When you see this symbol— heed its warning.
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.
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. 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.