MTD 110-017R000 - Manual (Page 5)

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SAFETY RULES
CAUTION: ALWAYS DISCONNECTSPARK PLUG WIREAND PLACE WIRE WHERE IT CANNOT
CONTACT SPARK PLUG TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL STARTING WHEN SETTING-UP, TRANS­
PORTING, ADJUSTING OR MAKING REPAIRS TO YOUR MOWER.
IMPORTANT
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FEDERAL REGULATIONS REQUIRE OPERATOR PRESENCE BLADE STOP CONTROLS TO MINIMIZE THE RISK
OF CONTACT INJURY. YOUR MOWER IS EQUIPPED WITH SUCH CONTROLS. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DEFEAT
THE FUNCTION OF THE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.
TRAINING:
• Read the owner's manual carefully. Becxime familiar with
the controls and know how to operate this mower prop­
erly. Learn how to stop the mower quickly.
• DO NOT allow children to use this mower. Never allow
adults to use the mower without proper instructions.
• Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, especially
small children and pets.
• Use the moweronly as the manufacturer intended and as
described in this manual.
• When not using your mower, store it indoors in a dry, high
or locked-up place - out of reach of children.
• DO NOT operate mower if it has been dropped or dam­
aged in any manner. Always have damage repaired
before using the mower.
• DO NOT use accessory attachments not recommended
by the manufacturer - it may be hazardous.
PREPARATION:
• Objects struck by the lawn mower will be thrown and can
cause severe injury to persons. Always check the area to
be mowed and clear it of all stones, sticks, wires, bones,
etc.
• Dress properly - Wear only solid shoes when mowing.
Never mow when barefoot or wearing open sandals.
• Always wear safety glasses or eye shields when starting
and while using your lawn mower.
• DO NOT fill gas tank when the engine is running, indoors
or when engine is hot. Allow the engine to cool for several
minutes before filling the gas tank. Clean off any spilled
gasoline before starting the engine.
• Never make wheel height adjustments while the engine is
running.
• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
• DO NOT operate mower in wet grass. Always be sure of
your footing - keep a firm hold on the handles and walk-
never run.
OPERATION:
• DO NOT change the governor settings or overspeed the
engine.
• DO NOT put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.
Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.
• Stop the engine whenever you leave the mower, before
crossing drives, walks or roads.
• DO NOT continue to run your mower if you hit a foreign
object. Stop the engine, make absolutely sure the blade
and all moving parts have stopped, disconnect the spark
plug wire from the spark plug to prevent accidental
starting, then inspect the mower for damage and repair
before restarting and operating the mower.
• If mower should start to vibrate heavily, stop the engine,
check for the cause and repair. Remember, heavy
vibration is generally a sign of trouble.
• Stop the engine, wait for blade and all moving parts to
stop, before cleaning, unclogging chute, removing grass
catcher, repairing or inspecting the mower. Always
disconnect the spark plug wire and keep away from plug
to prevent accidental starting.
• DO NOT run engine indoors - exhaust fumes are danger­
ous.
• Never cut grass by pulling the mower towards you. Mow
grass across the face of slopes, never up and down or you
could lose your footing. DO NOT mow excessively steep
slopes. Use caution when operating the mower on
uneven terrain or when changing direction - maintain
good footing.
• Never operate the mower without proper guards, plates
or other safety devices in place.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:
Check the blade and the engine mounting bolts often to
be sure they are tightened properly.
Check all bolts, nuts and screws at frequent intervals for
proper tightness to be sure mower is in safe working
condition.
Never store mower with fuel in the tank inside a building
where ignition sources are present such as hot water
heater and space heaters, clothes dryers, and the like.
Allow engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.
To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free of grass,
leaves or excessive grease and oil.
If grass catcher is used with your mower, check it often for
deterioration and wear and replace worn bags. Use only
replacement bags that are recommended by and comply
with specifications of the manufacturer of your mower.
Keep a sharp blade on your mower.
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LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL TO POINT OUT IM-
PORTANTSAFETY PRECAUTIONS. IT MEANS-
ATTENTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.