MTD 190-758 - Manual (Page 3)

3
• Keep all movement on the slopes slow and
gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or
direction. Rapid engagement or braking could
cause the front of the machine to lift.
• Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires loose
traction, disengage tiller and proceed slowly
straight down the slope.
• For your safety, use the slope gauge included as
part of this manual to measure slopes before
operating this unit on a sloped or hilly area. If the
slope is greater than 15 degrees as shown on the
slope gauge, do not operate this unit on that area
or serious injury could result.
DO NOT:
• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary; then, turn
slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
• Do not operate unit near drop-offs, ditches or
embankments. A wheel over the edge or an edge
caving in could cause sudden overturn.
• Do not operate tractor on wet grass. Reduced
traction could cause sliding.
• Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your
foot on the ground.
3. Children
• Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not
alert to the presence of children. Children are often
attracted to the machine and the tilling activity.
Never assume that children will remain where you
last saw them.
• Keep children out of the tilling area and in watchful
care of an adult other than the operator.
• Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the
area.
• Before and when backing, look behind and down
for small children.
• Never carry children. They may fall off and be
seriously injured or interfere with the safe machine
operation.
• Never allow children to operate the machine.
• Use extra care when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees or other objects that may obscure
vision.
4. Service
• Use extra care in handling gasoline and other
fuels. They are flammable and vapors are
explosive.
• Use only an approved container.
• Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes
before refueling. Do not smoke.
• Never refuel the machine indoors.
• Never store the machine or fuel container inside
where there is an open flame, or spark, such as a
water heater, space heater, clothes dryer and the
like.
• Never run a machine inside a closed area.
• Check frequently and keep nuts and bolts tight and
keep equipment in safe working condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their
proper operation regularly. Use all guards as
instructed in this manual.
• To reduce fire hazard, keep machine free of grass,
leaves or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel
spillage. Allow machine to cool before storing.
• Stop and inspect the equipment for damage if you
strike an object (e.g. rock). Repair, if necessary,
before re-starting and operating the machine.
• Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine
running.
• Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and
service as required.
• Muffler, engine, and belt guards become hot
during operation and can cause a burn. Allow to
cool down before touching.
• Do not change the engine governor settings or
overspeed the engine.
Danger: Your unit 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.