MTD 5234D Lawn Mower User Manual


 
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3. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not
alert to the presence of children. Children are
often attracted to the machine. Never assume
children will remain where you last saw them.
Keep children out of the mowing area and in
watchful care of an adult other than the
operator.
To avoid back-over accidents, always disen-
gage the cutting blades before shifting in
reverse. The "PTO Reverse Overide Switch"
should not be used when children or others
are around.
Be alert and turn machine off if children enter
the area.
Before and when backing, look behind and
down for small children.
Never carry children, even with the blades off.
They may fall off and be seriously injured or
interfere with safe machine operation.
Never allow children under 14 years old to
operate the machine. Children 14 years and
over should only operate machine under close
parental supervision and proper instruction.
Use extra care when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees or other objects that may
obscure your vision of a child or other hazard.
Remove key when machine is unattended to
prevent unauthorized operation.
4. OPERATING THE PTO
When operating PTO driven equipment,
disengage the PTO, stop the engine, and wait
until the PTO stops before dismounting the
tractor and disconnecting the equipment.
Do not wear loose fitting clothing when
operating the PTO or when near rotating
equipment.
To prevent injury, do not adjust, unclog, clean,
or service PTO driven equipment while the
tractor engine is running.
Make certain all PTO shields are always installed.
5. SAFETY FRAME (ROPS)
Your tractor is equipped with a rollover protective
structure (ROPS) which must be maintained in a
fully functional condition. Use care when driving
through doorways or spaces with a low overhead.
Never modify the ROPS in any way.
Never attempt to straighten or reweld any part
of the main frame or retaining brackets that
have been damaged. Doing so may weaken
the structure and endanger your safety.
Never secure any parts on the main frame or
attach the safety frame with anything other than
the special fasteners specified.
Never attach ropes, chains, or cables to the
ROPS for pulling purposes.
Although the ROPS provides you the maximum
protection possible, never take unnecessary risks.
6. SERVICE
Use extreme care in handling gasoline and
other fuels. They are extremely flammable and
the vapors are explosive. Use only an approved
container.
a. Use only an approved container.
b. Never remove fuel cap or add fuel with the
engine running. Allow the engine to cool at
least two minutes before refueling.
c. Replace the fuel cap securely and wipe off
any spilled fuel before starting the engine as
it may cause a fire or explosion.
d. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and
other sources of ignition.
e. Never refuel the machine indoors because
fuel vapors will accumulate in the area.
f. Never store the fuel container or machine in-
side where there is an open flame or spark,
such as a gas hot water heater, space heat-
er or furnace.
Escaping hydraulic fluid under pressure can
penetrate the skin. If fluid is injected into the
skin, seek immediate medical attention. Do not
use your hand to check for leaks. Use a piece
of cardboard or paper.
Never run a machine inside a closed area.
To reduce fire hazard, keep the tractor free of
any debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage.
Before cleaning, repairing or inspecting, make
certain the blades and all moving parts have
stopped.
Check the blade fasteners at frequent intervals
for proper tightness. Also visually inspect
blades for damage (e.g., excessive wear, bent,
cracked). Replace with blades which meet
original equipment specifications.