MTD 114-050A - Manual (Page 2)

I M P O R T A N T
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES FOR WALK-BEHIND MOWERS
TRAINING
1. Read the Operating and Service Instruction Man­
ual carefully. Be thoroughly familiar v/ith the con­
trols and the proper use of the equipment.
2. Never allov/ children to operate a pov/er mower.
3. Keep the area of operation clear of all persons,
particularly small children and pets.
PREPARATION
1. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment
is to be used and remove all stones, sticks, wire,
bones and other foreign objects.
2. Do not operate equipment when- barefoot or
wearing open sandals. Always wear substantial
footwear.
3. Check the fuel before starting the engine. Do not
fill the gasoline tank indoors, when the engine is
running, or while the engine is still hot. Wipe off
any spilled gasoline before starting the engine.
4. Disengage the self-propelled mechanism or drive
clutch on units so equipped before starting the en­
gine (motor).
5. Never attempt to make a wheel adjustment while
the engine (motor) is running.
6. Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
7. Never operate the equipment in wet grass. Al­
ways be sure of your footing; keep a firm hold on
the handle and walk, never run.
OPERATION
1. Do not change the engine governor settings or
overspeed the engine.
2. Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating
parts. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all
times.
3. Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drive,
walks or roads.
4. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine
(motor), remove the wire from spark plug, thor­
oughly inspect the mower for any damage, and
repair the damaoe before restarting and operat­
ing the mower.
5. If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormal­
ly, stop the engine (motor) and check immediately
for the cause. Vibration is generally a warning of
trouble.
6. Stop the engine (motor) whenever you leave the
equipment, before cleaning the mower housing,
and when making any repairs or inspections.
7. When cleaning, repairing or inspecting, make cer­
tain the blade and all moving parts have stopped.
Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keep the wire
away from the plug to prevent accidental starting.
8. Do not run the engine indoors.
9. Shut the engine (motor) off and wait until the
blade comes to a complete stop before removing
the grass catcher or unclogging chute.
10. Mow across the face of slopes, never up-and-
down. Exercise extreme caution when changing
direction on slopes. Do not mow excessively steep
slopes.
11. Always disconnect electric mowers (line operated)
before cleaning, repairing or adjusting.
12. Never operate mower without proper guards,
plates or other safety protective devices in place.
13. Keep washout ports and other mower-housing
service openings closed when mowing.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
1. Check the blade and engine mounting bolts at
frequent intervals for proper tightness.
2. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
3. Never store the equipment with gasoline in the
tank inside of a building where fumes may reach
an open flame or spark. Allow the engine to cool
before storing in any enclosure.
4. To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free of
grass, leaves, or excessive grease.
5. Check the grass catcher bag frequently for wear
or deterioration. Replace with new bag for safety
protection.