MTD 243-645B000 - Safety Rules; Training and Preparation; Operation Safety; Maintenance and Storage

SAFETY RULES
A WARNING: TO REDUCE THE POTENTIAL FOR ANY INJURY, COMPLY WITH THE FOLLOWING
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN
PERSONAL INJURY.
TRAINING
• Read this owner’s manual carefully in its entire ;y before
attempting to assemble or operate this machine. Be com¬
pletely familiar with the controls and the proper use of
this machine before operating it. Keep this maiual in a
safe place for future and regular reference and lor order¬
ing replacement parts.
• Children must never be allowed to operate th s equip¬
ment.
• No one should operate this unit while intoxicatec or while
taking medication that impairs the senses or reactions.
• This equipment should never be operated in the vicinity
of children, pets or other persons.
• Never run your machine in an enclosed area as the
exhaust from the engine contains carbon monoxide, which
is an odorless, tasteless and deadly poisonous gr s.
• Never place your hands or any part of your body or cloth¬
ing inside the feeding chamber, discharge chute, or near
any moving part while the machine or engine is r jnning.
• If it is necessary for any reason to inspect or r apair the
feeding chamber or any part of the machine whera a mov¬
ing part can come in contact with your body or clothing,
stop the machine, allow it to cool, disconnect tie spark
plug wire from the spark plug and move it away from the
spark plug before attempting such inspection or repair.
PREPARATION
• Wear safety glasses provided with your unit whil; operat¬
ing the shredder to prevent injury from any material which
may be ejected out of the openings.
• Wear proper apparel. Avoid wearing loose fitting clothing.
Wear gloves when handling material.
• HANDLE GASOLINE WITH CARE as it is an extremely
flammable fuel.
• Check the fuel before starting the engine. Do n jt fill the
fuel tank indoors, while the engine is running, or while the
engine is still hot. Turn the unit off and let the engine cool
before refueling.
• Fuel your shredder in a clean area. Do not smoko while
refueling.
• Fuel tank cap must be secure at all times except during
refueling.
• Avoid spilling gasoline or oil. Wipe the unit clean ef any
spilled fuel or oil.
• Store fuel and oil in approved containers, away from heat
or open flame, and out of reach of children.
• This machine should be operated only upon a level sur¬
face.
• Assure that all screws, nuts and bolts and other f isteners
are properly secured.
OPERATION
• When feeding shreddable material into this eq uipment,
be extremely careful that pieces of metal, rocks; bottles,
cans or other foreign objects are not included. Personal
injury or damage to the machine could result.
• If the cutting mechanism strikes any foreign object or if
your machine should start making an unusual noise or
vibration, immediately stop the engine, disconnect the
spark plug wire from the spark plug and move it away
from the spark plug. Allow the machine to stop and take
the following steps:
Inspect for damage.
Replace or repair any damaged parts.
Check for any loose parts and tighten to assure continued
safe operation.
• The engine must be kept clean of debris and other accu¬
mulations.
• Do not allow an accumulation of processed material to
build up in the discharge area as this will prevent proper
discharge and can result in kick-back from feed opening.
• Never place 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.
• Keep all guards and deflectors in place and in good work¬
ing condition to assure continued safe operation.
• Always stand clear of the discharge area when operating
this machine.
• Keep your face and body back from the feed opening to
avoid accidental bounce back of any material.
• Do not over-reach. Keep proper balance and footing at all
times.
• The engine governor settings on your machine must not
be altered, changed, or tampered with. The governor
controls the maximum safe operating speeds and pro¬
tects the engine and all moving parts from damage
caused by overspeed.
• Do not transport machine while engine is running.
• Do not operate engine if air cleaner or cover directly over
carburetor air intake is removed, except for adjustment.
Removal of such parts could create a fire hazard.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
• 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 and moved
away from the spark plug. The machine should be
allowed to cool down before making such inspection,
adjustments, service, etc. Maintain your machine with
care and keep it clean for the best and continued safe
operation.
• Do not use flammable solutions to clean the air filter.
• 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 stor¬
age, refer to the “Off-Season Storage” section of this
manual.
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