MTD 428C manual Important Safe Operation Practices, Training, Preparation

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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 and throwing objects. 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.

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Contents Operator’s Manual Customer Support Table of ContentsOperation Important Safe Operation PracticesTraining PreparationYour Responsibility Maintenance & StorageTo Remove Unit From Carton Before Assembly Attaching Depth StakeAttaching Handle Assembly Assembling Your TillerAttaching Clutch Cable Attaching Gear Shift RodIf the wheels do not spin with the unit Final Clutch AdjustmentTire Pressure Viewed From Under HandleThrottle Control Know Your TillerGear Selection Handle Clutch HandleFuel Shut-Off Valve If Equipped Handle Adjustment CrankPrimer Button If Equipped Depth StakeStarting Engine Setting The DepthOperating Your Tiller Before Starting Gas And Oil Fill-UpOperating the Tiller Handle Adjustment Belt Tension AdjustmentEngine Adjustment Maintaining Your Tiller Off-Season Storage Trouble Possible Causes Corrective Action Trouble Shooting GuideParts List for Model Series Part Description Model SeriesModel Series Model Series 16 17 Model Series Page Page MANUFACTURER’S Limited Warranty for