MTD 242-650A - Page 3

IMPORTANT
It is suggested that this manual be read in its entirety before attempting to assemble or operate. Keep this
manual in a safe place for future reference and for ordering replacement parts.
This unit is shipped WITHOUT GASOLINE or OIL. After assembly, see operating section of this manual for
proper fuel and engine oil recommendations.
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES FOR POWER SHREDDERS
TRAINING
1. The operator should become fully familiar with
all of the different sections of this owner's
manual before attempting to operate this equip¬
ment.
2. Children must never be allowed to operate this
equipment.
3. This equipment should never be operated in the
vicinity of children, pets or other persons.
4. Never run your machine in an enclosed area as the
exhaust from the engine contains carbon mon¬
oxide, which is an odorless, tasteless and deadly
poisonous gas.
5. Never allow your hands or any part of your body
or clothing inside the feeding chamber, discharge
chute, or near any moving part while the machine
or engine is running.
6. If it is necessary for any reason to inspect or repair
the feeding chamber or any part of the machine
where a moving part can come in contact with
your body or clothing, stop the machine, allow it
to cool, and disconnect the spark plug wire from
the spark plug before attempting such inspection
or repair.
PREPARATION
1. It is recommended that the operator of this equip¬
ment obtain and wear safety glasses at all times
while operating the machine.
2. Wear proper apparel. Avoid wearing loose fitting
clothing.
3. This machine should be operated only upon an
earthen level surface.
4. Assure that all screws, nuts and bolts and other
fasteners are properly secured.
OPERATION
1. When feeding shreddable material into this equip¬
ment, be extremely careful that pieces of metal,
rocks, bottles, cans or other foreign objects are
not included.
2. If the cutting mechanism strikes any foreign ob¬
ject or if your machine should start making an
unusual noise or vibration, immediately stop the
engine and disconnect the spark plug wire from
the spark plug. Allow the machine to stop and
take the following steps:
A. Inspect for damage.
B. Replace or repair any damaged parts.
C. Check for any loose parts and tighten to assure
continued safe operation.
3. The engine must be kept clean of debris and other
accumulations.
4. Do not allow an accumulation of processed mater¬
ial to build up in the discharge area as this will
prevent proper discharge and can result in kick-
back from feed opening.
5. Never allow your hands or any other part of your
body or clothing inside the feeding chamber,
discharge chute or near any moving part while the
engine is running.
6. Keep all guards and deflectors in place and in
good working condition to assure continued safe
operation.
7. Always stand clear of the discharge area when
operating this machine.
8. Keep your face and body back from the feed
opening to avoid accidental bounce back of any
material.
9. Do not over-reach. Keep proper balance and
footing at all times.
10. The engine governor settings on your machine
must not be altered, changed, or tampered with.
The governor controls the maximum safe oper¬
ating speeds and protects the engine and all
moving parts from damage caused by overspeed.
11. Do not transport machine while engine is running.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
1. When this equipment is stopped for servicing,
inspection, storage or to change an accessory,
make sure the spark plug wire is disconnected
from the spark plug. The machine should be
allowed to cool down before making such inspec¬
tion, adjustments, service, etc. Maintain your
machine with care and keep it clean for the best
and continued safe operation.
2. When not in use, your machine should be stored
out of the reach of children. Keep where gasoline
fumes will not reach an open flame or spark. For
long periods of storage, the gasoline should be
drained and disposed in a safe manner. Always
allow the machine to cool before storing in any
enclosure.
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