MTD 18HP Lawn Mower User Manual


 
4
GENERAL SAFETY
OPERATIONS
A. DANGER
1. Do not operate machine in confined areas
where exhaust gases can accumulate.
2. Do not operate machine without mower chute
deflector in place and operational.
3. Do not carry passengers.
B. WARNING
1. Do not operate machines under the influence
of alcohol or drugs.
2. Do not operate machines without all guards
and safety devices in place and functional.
3. Do not start machines if there are fuel or oil
leaks or spillage — clean it up.
4. Do not operate machines near spilled or leak-
ing fuels.
5. Do not stop or park machine over dry leaves,
grass, debris, etc. that could be combustible.
6. Use extreme care when backing up.
7. Do not operate machine on slopes greater
than 15 degrees (27%).
8. Do not operate machines on slopes when
traction is reduced (wet grass, ice, soft
ground, loose ground, leaves, pine needles,
debris, etc.).
9. Avoid turning downhill if possible, go slowly
and use extra care when turning downhill.
10. Do not operate machines during reduce visi-
bility (low light, fog, rain, etc.).
11. Do not operate machines with non-approved
attachments.
12. Do not operate machines that are dam-
aged.....have machine repaired.
13. Do not operate machines that have not been
properly maintained.
14. Use only replacement parts that are the same
or equivalent to the original equipment.
15. Do not modify machines or any of their com-
ponents, especially the engine governor!
16. Do not operate machine for more than 2 hours
without hearing protection.
C. CAUTION
1. Use proper protective equipment when oper-
ating machine (gloves, boots, and hearing
protection are recommended).
2. Read entire machine Operator’s Manual.
3. Make sure operators are fully trained in the
safe use of the machine.
4. Follow all safety instructions when using the
machine.
5. Keep all safety signs legible and properly
installed.
6. Do not check for hydraulic leaks with any part
of the body.
7. Do not add fuel to a machine when the engine
is running and/or the exhaust system is hot.
8. Keep machine clean and free of debris, grass,
leaves, oil, grease, etc.
9. Place lap bars in neutral/start position, set
park brake, disengage P.T.O., turn engine off,
and remove ignition key before you dismount
from machine.
10. Use machines laterally or diagonally across
slopes, avoid going downhill when possible.
11. Go slowly and use extra care when descend-
ing slopes.
12. Disengage P.T.O. when crossing surfaces
such as asphalt, concrete, loose ground,
sand, gravel, etc.
13. Use extra care when loading and unloading
machines from trucks or trailers.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
A. General
1. Read this Operator’s Manual before starting
the mower. Study the controls and learn the
proper sequence of operation.
2. Do not allow anyone to operate or maintain
this machine who has not read this manual.
Never permit children to operate this machine.
3. Never carry passengers.
4. Do not remove any shields, guards or safety
devices. If a shield, guard or safety device is
damaged or does not function, repair or
replace it before operating the mower.
5. Always wear safety glasses and safety shoes
when operating or maintaining this mower. Do
not wear loose-fitting clothing.
6. Disconnect the spark plug wires and remove
the key from the ignition to prevent the engine
from accidentally starting before performing
any maintenance on this mower.
7. Never run the engine indoors without ade-
quate ventilation. Exhaust fumes are deadly.
8. To avoid serious burns, do not touch the
engine, exhaust pipe or muffler while the
engine is running or until it has cooled after it
has been shut off.
9. The liquid in the battery is dilute sulfuric acid.
Always wear safety glasses and rubber gloves
when working on the battery. Do not overfill
the battery.
10. Lead-acid batteries generate hydrogen and
oxygen gases which form an explosive mix-
ture. Keep sparks and flames away at all
times.