MTD 616 Use only an approved gasoline container, Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely

2

Safe

Operation

WARNING: Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle compo- nents 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.

Practices

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 man- ual 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.

Your

Responsibility

Restrict the use

of this power machine to persons who read, understand

and follow the warnings and instructions

in this manual and on the machine.

Children

1.Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing activity. They do not understand the dangers. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them.

a.Keep children out of the mowing area and in watchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator.

b.Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the area.

c.Before and while backing, look behind and down for small children.

d.Never carry children, even with the blade(s) shut off. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation.

e.Use extreme care when approaching blind corners, doorways, shrubs, trees or other objects that may block your vision of a child who may run into the machine.

f.To avoid back-over accidents, always disengage the cutting blade(s) before shifting into Reverse. If equipped, the “Reverse Caution Mode” should not be used when children or others are around.

g.Keep children away from hot or running engines. They can suffer burns from a hot muffler.

h.Remove key when machine is unattended to prevent unauthorized operation.

2.Never allow children under 14 years old to operate the 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.

Operation

Safe Handling of Gasoline:

1.To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explo- sive. Serious personal injury can occur when gasoline is spilled on yourself or your clothes which can ignite. Wash your skin and change clothes immediately.

a.Use only an approved gasoline container.

b.Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place containers on the ground away from your vehicle before filling.

c.When practical, remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel such equipment on a trailer with a portable container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.

d.Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or container opening at all times until fueling is complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.

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

f.Never fuel machine indoors.

g.Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine is hot or running. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.

h.Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than ½ inch below bottom of filler neck to allow space for fuel expansion.

i.Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.

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

k.To reduce fire hazards, keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuel soaked debris.

l.Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light as on a water heater, space heater, furnace, clothes dryer or other gas appliances.

m.Allow a machine to cool at least five minutes before storing.