MTD 310 - Safe Operation Practices

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.
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES FOR TILLERS
1. It is suggested that this manual be read in its
entirety before attempting to assemble or
operate this unit. Keep this manual in a safe
place for future and regular reference and for
ordering replacement parts.
2. Your tiller is a precision piece of power equip¬
ment, not a plaything. Therefore, exercise ex¬
treme caution at all times.
3. Read this Owner’s Manual carefully. Be
thoroughly familiar with the controls and the
proper use of the equipment.
4. Never allow children to operate a power tiller.
Only persons well acquainted with these rules
of safe operation should be allowed to use
your tiller.
5. No one should operate this unit while intoxi¬
cated or while taking medication that impairs
the senses or reactions.
6. Keep the area of operation clear of all per¬
sons, particularly small children and pets.
7. Do not operate equipment when barefoot or
wearing open sandals. Always wear substan¬
tial footwear.
8. Do not wear loose fitting clothing that could
get caught on the tiller.
9. Do not start the engine unless the shift lever
is in the neutral (N) position.
10. Do not stand in front of the tiller while starting
the engine.
11. Do not place feet and hands on or near the
tines when starting the engine or while the
engine is running.
12. Never attempt to make a wheel or depth bar
adjustment while the engine is running.
13. Do not leave the tiller unattended with the
engine running.
14. Do not walk in front of the tiller while the
engine is running.
15. Check the fuel before starting the engine.
Gasoline is an extremely flammable fuel. Do
not fill gasoline tank indoors, while the engine
is running, or while the engine is still hot.
Replace gasoline cap securely, and wipe off
any spilled gasoline before starting the
engine as it may cause a fire or explosion.
16. D o not run the engine while indoors. Exhaust
gases are deadly poisonous.
17. B e careful not to touch the muffler after the
engine has been running. It is hot.
18. D o not change the engine governor settings
or overspeed the engine. Excessive engine
speeds are dangerous.
19. Before any maintenance work is performed or
adjustments are made, remove the spark plug
wire and ground it on the engine block for
added safety.
20. Use caution when tilling near buildings and
fences. Rotating tines can cause damage or
injury.
21. Before attempting to remove rocks, bricks and
other objects from tines, stop the engine and
be sure the tines have stopped completely.
Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground to
prevent accidental starting.
22. C heck the tine and engine mounting bolts at
frequent intervals for proper tightness.
23. K eep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be
sure the equipment is in safe working condi¬
tion.
24. N e ver store the equipment with gasoline in
the tank inside of a building where fumes may
reach an open flame or spark. Allow the
engine to cool before storing in any
enclosure.
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