MTD Series 200, Operator'S Manual

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Important Safe Operation Practices
2
3
Training
Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the 1.
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.
2.
Know how to stop the machine and disengage them
quickly.
Never allow children under 14 years of age to operate this
3.
machine. Children 14 and over should read and understand
the instructions and safe operation practices in this manual
and on the machine and be trained and supervised by an
adult.
Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper
4.
instruction.
Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, particularly
5.
small children and pets. Stop machine if anyone enters the
area.
Preparation
Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to 1.
be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, and other foreign
objects which could be tripped over and cause personal
injury.
Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close fitting
2.
slacks and shirt. Loose fitting clothes or jewelry can be
caught in moving parts. Never operate this machine in bare
feet or sandals.
Disengage clutch levers and shift (if provided) into neutral
3.
(“N”) before starting the engine.
Never leave this machine unattended with the engine
4.
running.
Never attempt to make any adjustments while engine is
5.
running, except where specifically recommended in the
operator’s manual.
Safe Handling of Gasoline:
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. a.
Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck b.
or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place
containers on the ground away from your vehicle
before filling.
When practical, remove gas-powered equipment
c.
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.
Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel
d.
tank or container opening at all times until fueling is
complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.
Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other
e.
sources of ignition.
Never fuel machine indoors.
f.
Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine g.
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 ½
h.
inch below bottom of filler neck to allow space for
fuel expansion.
Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
i.
If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and j.
equipment. Move unit to another area. Wait 5
minutes before starting the engine.
To reduce fire hazards, keep machine free of grass,
k.
leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel
spillage and remove any fuel soaked debris.
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!
DANGER!
This machine was built to be operated according to the safe operation practices 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 fingers, hands,
toes and feet. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious
injury or death.