MTD 462 thru 465 manual Important Safe Operation Practices, Training

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: The Engine Exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the

State of California to cause cancer, 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

•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.

•Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation. Know how to stop the machine and disengage them quickly.

•Never allow children under 16 years old to operate this machine. Children 16 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.

•Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper instruction.

•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.

•Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.

•Do not put hands and feet near rotating parts or in the feeding chambers and discharge opening. Contact with the rotating impeller can amputate fingers, hands, and feet.

•Never attempt to unclog either the feed intake or discharge opening, remove or empty vacuum bag, or inspect and repair the machine while the engine is running. Shut the engine off and wait until all moving parts have come to a complete stop. Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it against the engine.

PREPARATION

•Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used. Remove all rocks, bottles, cans, or other foreign objects which could be picked up or thrown and cause personal injury or damage to the machine.

•Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during operation or while performing an adjustment or repair, to protect eyes. Thrown objects which ricochet can cause serious injury to the eyes.

•Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close- fitting slacks and shirts. Loose fitting clothes or jewelry can be caught in movable parts. Never operate this machine in bare feet or sandals. Wear leather work gloves when feeding material in the chipper chute.

•Before starting, check all bolts and screws for proper tightness to be sure the machine is in safe working condition. Also, visually inspect machine for any damage at frequent intervals.

•Maintain or replace safety and instructions labels, as necessary.

•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.

•Use only an approved gasoline container.

•Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources of ignition.

•Never fuel machine indoors.

•Never remove gas cap or add while the engine is hot or running.

•Allow engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.

•Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than 1/2 inch below bottom of filler neck to provide space for fuel expansion.

•Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.

•If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and equipment. Move machine to another area. Wait 5 minutes before starting the engine.

•Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an open flame, spark, or pilot light

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