OPERATOR SAFETY
Operation and Equipment Safety
DANGER
This snow thrower is only as safe as the operator. If it is misused, or not properly maintained, it can be dangerous. Remember you are responsible for your safety and that of those around you.
•Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, particularly small children and pets.
•Thoroughly inspect the area where the snow thrower will be used and remove all doormats, sleds, boards, wires, and other foreign objects.
•Do not operate the snow thrower without wearing adequate winter clothing.
•Wear footwear that will improve footing on slippery surfaces.
•Use caution to avoid slipping or falling especially when operating the snow thrower in reverse.
•Never operate the snow thrower without good visibility or light. Always be sure of your footing, and keep a firm hold on the handles.
•Do not clear snow across the face of slopes. Use extreme caution when changing direction on slopes. Do not attempt to clear steep slopes.
•Do not overload the machine capacity by attempting to clear snow too quickly.
•Never operate the snow thrower at high transport speeds on slippery surfaces. Look behind the snow thrower and use care when operating in reverse.
•Do not use the snow thrower on surfaces above ground level such as roofs of residences, garages, porches, or other such structures or buildings.
•Operators should evaluate their ability to operate the snow thrower safely enough to protect themselves and others from injury.
•The snow thrower is intended to remove snow only. Do not use the snow thrower for any other purpose.
•Do not carry passengers.
•After striking a foreign object, shut OFF the engine, disconnect the cord on electric motors, thoroughly inspect the snow thrower for any damage, and repair the damage before restarting and operating the snow thrower.
•If the snow thrower vibrates abnormally, shut OFF the engine. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble. See an authorized dealer if necessary for repairs.
•For models equipped with electric starting motors, disconnect the power cord after the engine starts.
Fuel Handling
DANGER
Fuel and its vapors are extremely flammable and explosive. Always handle fuel with extreme care.
Failure to observe these safety instructions can cause a fire or explosion which will result in severe burns or death.
WHEN ADDING FUEL
•Turn off engine and let cool at least 2 minutes before removing the fuel cap and adding fuel.
•Fill fuel tank outdoors or in a well ventilated area.
•Do not overfill the fuel tank. To allow for the expansion of gasoline, do not fill above the bottom of the fuel tank neck.
•Keep fuel away from sparks, open flames, pilot lights, heat, and other ignition sources.
•Check fuel lines, cap, and fittings frequently for cracks or leaks. Replace if necessary.
•Use an approved fuel container.
•If fuel spills, wait until it evaporates before starting engine.
WHEN STARTING ENGINE
•Ensure that spark plug, muffler, fuel cap, and air cleaner (if equipped) are in place and secured.
•Do not crank the engine with the spark plug removed.
•If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to start the engine, but move the snow thrower away from the area of the spill, and avoid creating any source of ignition, until the fuel vapors have dissipated.
•Do not
•If the engine floods, set choke (if equipped) to OPEN/RUN position, move throttle (if equipped) to FAST position and crank until engine starts.
WHEN OPERATING EQUIPMENT
•Do not tip the snow thrower at an angle which causes the fuel to spill.
•Do not choke the carburetor to stop the engine.
•Never run the engine with the air cleaner assembly (if equipped) or the air filter (if equipped) removed.
WHEN CHANGING OIL
•If you drain the oil from the top oil fill tube, the fuel tank must be empty or fuel can leak out and result in a fire or explosion.
WHEN TRANSPORTING EQUIPMENT
• Transport with fuel tank EMPTY, or with fuel
WHEN STORING GASOLINE OR EQUIPMENT WITH FUEL IN TANK
•Store away from furnaces, stoves, water heaters, or other appliances that have pilot light or other ignition source because they can ignite fuel vapors.
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