MTD 310-430A - Manual (Page 3)

SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES FOR SNOW
THROWERS
TRAINING
1. Read the Owner’s guide instruction manual
carefully. Be thoroughly familiar with the
controls and proper use of the equipment.
Know how to stop the unit and disengage the
controls quickly.
2. Never allow children to operate equipment.
Never allow adults to operate equipment
without proper instructions.
3. Keep the area of operation clear of all
persons, especially small children and pets.
4. Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling,
especially when operating in reverse.
PREPARATION
1. Thoroughly inspect the area where the
equipment is to be used and remove all door
mats, sleds, boards, wires and other foreign
objects.
2. Disengage all clutches and shift into neutral
before starting engine.
3. Do not operate equipment without wearing
adequate winter outer garments. Wear
footwear which will improve footing on
slippery surfaces.
4. Handle fuel with care. It is highly flammable.
(A) Use approved fuel container.
(B) Never add fuel to a running engine or hot
engine.
(C) Fill fuel tank outdoors with extreme care.
Never fill fuel tank indoors.
(D) Replace gasoline cap securely and wipe
up spilled fuel.
5. Use a grounded three wire plug-in for all units
with electric drive motors or electric starting
motors.
6. Adjust collector housing height to clear gravel
or crushed rock surface.
7. Never attempt to make any adjustments while
engine is running (except where specifically
recommended by manufacturer).
8. Let engine and machine adjust to outdoor
temperature before starting to clear snow.
OPERATION
1. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts.
Keep clear of discharge opening at all times.
2. Exercise extreme caution when operating on
or crossing a gravel drive, walks, or roads.
Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic. Do not
carry passengers.
3. After striking a foreign object, stop the
engine, remove wire from spark plug,
thoroughly inspect the snow thrower for any
damage, and repair the damage before
restarting and operating the snow thrower.
4. If the snow thrower should start to vibrate
abnormally, stop the engine and check
immediately for the cause. Vibration is
generally a warning of trouble.
5. Stop engine whenever you leave the operating
position, before unclogging the collector/
impeller housing or discharge guide, and
making any repairs, adjustments, or inspec­
tions.
6. Take all possible precautions when leaving
the vehicle unattended. Disengage the power
take-off, lower the attachment, shift into
neutral, set the parking brake, stop the
engine, and remove the key.
7. When cleaning, repairing, or inspecting make
certain collector/impeller, and all moving
parts have stopped. Disconnect spark plug
wire and keep away from plug to prevent
accidental starting.
8. Do not run engine indoors, except when
starting engine and for transporting snow
thrower in or out of building. Open doors.
Exhaust fumes are dangerous.
9. Do not clear snow across the face of slopes.
Exercise extreme caution when changing
direction on slopes. Do not attempt to clear
steep slopes.
10. Never operate snow thrower without guards,
plates, or other safety protection devices in
place.
11. Never operate snow thrower near glass
enclosure, automobiles, window wells, drop­
off, etc. without proper adjustments of snow
thrower discharge angle. Keep children and
pets away.
12. Do not overload machine capacity by
attempting to clear snow at too fast a rate.
13. Never operate machine at high transport
speeds on slippery surfaces. Use care when
backing.
14. Never direct discharge at bystanders or allow
anyone in front of unit.
15. Disengage power to collector/impeller when
transporting or not in use.
16. Use only attachments and accessories
approved by the manufacturer of snow
thrower (such as wheel weights, counter
weights, cabs, etc.).
17. Never operate the snow thrower without good
visibility or light. Always be sure of your
footing and keep a firm hold on the handles.
Walk, never run.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
1. Check shear bolts, engine mounting bolts,
etc. at frequent intervals for proper tightness
to be sure equipment is in safe working
condition.
2. Never store machine with fuel in the fuel tank
Inside a building where open flame or spark
are present. Allow engine to cool before
storing in any enclosure.
3. Always refer to owner's guide instructions for
important details if snow thrower is to be
stored for an extended period.
4. Run machine a few minutes after throwing
snow to prevent freeze up of collector/
impeller.