MTD Series 140 through E173 manual Important Safe Operation Practices, Training, Preparation

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 your snow thrower. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury. When you see this symbol, heed its warning.

DANGER: Your snow thrower 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.

WARNING: The Engine Exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

Training

•Read this operator's manual carefully in its entirety before attempting to assemble or operate this machine. Be completely familiar with the controls and the proper use of this machine before operating it. Keep this manual in a safe place for future and regular reference and for ordering replacement parts.

•Never allow children under 14 years old to operate a snow thrower. Children 14 years old and over should only operate snow thrower under close parental supervision. Only persons well acquainted with these rules of safe operation should be allowed to use your snow thrower.

•No one should operate this unit while intoxicated or while taking medication that impairs the senses or reactions.

•Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, especially small children and pets.

•Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling, especially when operating in reverse.

•Use a grounded three wire plug-in for all units with electric drive motors or electric starting motors.

•Adjust collector housing height to clear gravel or crushed rock surface.

•Never attempt to make any adjustments while engine is running (except where specifically recommended by manufacturer).

•Let engine and machine adjust to outdoor temperature before starting to clear snow.

•Always wear safety glasses or eye shields during operation or while performing an adjustment or repair, to protect eyes from foreign objects that may be thrown from the machine in any direction.

Operation

•Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear of discharge opening and auger at all times.

•Exercise extreme caution when operating on or crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads. Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic.

Preparation

•Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used and remove all door mats, sleds, boards, wires and other foreign objects.

•Disengage all clutches and shift into neutral before starting engine.

•Do not operate equipment without wearing adequate winter outer garments. Do not wear jewelry, long scarfs or other loose clothing which could become entangled in moving parts. Wear footwear which will improve footing on slippery surfaces.

•Before working with gasoline, extinguish all cigarettes and other sources of ignition. Check the fuel before starting the engine. Gasoline is an extremely flammable fuel. Do not fill the gasoline tank indoors, while the engine is running, or until engine has been allowed to cool at least two minutes. Replace gasoline cap securely and wipe off any spilled gasoline before starting the engine as it may cause a fire or explosion.

•After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, remove wire from spark plug, and thoroughly inspect the snow thrower for any damage. Repair the damage before restarting and operating the snow thrower.

•If the snow thrower should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine and check immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.

•Stop engine whenever you leave the operating position, before unclogging the collector/impeller housing or discharge guide, and making any repairs, adjustments, or inspections. Never place your hand in the discharge or collector openings. Use a stick or wooden broom handle to unclog the discharge opening.

•Take all possible precautions when leaving the unit unattended. Disengage the collector/impeller, shift into neutral, stop the engine, and remove the key.

•When cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make certain collector/impeller and all moving parts have

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