MTD 18HP service manual Operating Instructions, When Mowing, Safety Awareness when Mowing

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Figure. 1

Electric Blade	Tach and
Clutch Switch	Hour Meter

Ignition Switch

A.General

1.When Mowing:

a.Keep adults, children, and pets away from the area to be mowed.

b.When operating this mower, in the forward direction, do not allow the steering levers to return to Neutral on their own. Always maintain a firm grip on the levers, operate them smoothly and avoid any sudden movements of the levers when starting and stopping.

c.If the mower is equipped for side dis- charge, never use the mower without the discharge chute installed and placed in the down position.

d.Always remove debris and other objects from the area to be mowed (Note: debris and loose grass will reduce traction).

e.Mow only in daylight.

f.Watch for holes, sprinkler heads, and other hidden hazards.

g.Avoid driving to close to trees, creeks, ditches, sand traps, and other obstacles.

h.Before backing up, check behind and watch where you are going.

i.Always reduce speed when making a turn, and when grass is wet.

j.Always mow across slopes, never up and down the slope. Do not operate on steep slopes and slow down before turning.

Avoid turning downhill if possible, start at the bottom and work up to the top. Use extra care and go slowly when turning downhill.

k.Be careful when crossing gravel paths or roadways. Always turn off the blade clutch switch and wait until the blades stop rotat-

Figure. 2

Engine throttle

Choke Lever

ing and raise the cutting deck to the trans- port position. Always allow other vehicles to have the right of way.

l.If you hit a solid object while mowing, turn off the blade clutch switch, place the steer- ing levers in the neutral, opened-out posi- tion, move the throttle to slow, set the parking brake, shut off the engine, and take the key from the ignition switch. Inspect for damage. Repair the damage. Make sure the blades are in good condition and that the blade bolts are tight before restarting the engine.

m.Never leave the mower unattended without observing the following: turn off the blade clutch switch, placing the steering levers in the neutral open-out position, moving the throttle to slow, setting the parking brake, shutting off the engine and taking the key from the ignition switch.

n.Never walk or stand on the discharge side of the mower when the engine is running. Turn off the blade clutch switch if another person approaches while you are operat- ing the mower.

o.Never attempt to operate the traction unit without having the mowing deck attached.

p.Keep the mower and especially the engine and hydraulic components clean and free of grease, grass, and leaves to reduce the chance of fire and permit proper cooling.

2.Safety Awareness when Mowing

a.Do not operate on steep slopes, those above 15 degrees (27% slope).

b.Avoid turning downhill if possible, if not use extra care and go slowly.

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