Full Product Manual

4 Section 2 — important Safe operation practiceS
l. Never store the machine or fuel
container inside where there is an
open flame, spark or pilot light as
on a water heater, space heater,
furnace, clothes dryer or other gas
appliances.
m. Allow a machine to cool at least five
minutes before storing.
General Service
1. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly
ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide, an odorless, and deadly
gas.
2. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting,
make certain the blade(s) and all moving
parts have stopped. Disconnect the spark
plug wire and ground against the engine to
prevent unintended starting.
3. Periodically check to make sure the
blades come to complete stop within
approximately (5) five seconds after
operating the blade disengagement control.
If the blades do not stop within the this time
frame, your machine should be serviced
professionally by an authorized MTD Service
Dealer.
4. Check brake operation frequently as it is
subjected to wear during normal operation.
Adjust and service as required.
5. Check the blade(s) and engine mounting
bolts at frequent intervals for proper
tightness. Also, visually inspect blade(s) for
damage (e.g., excessive wear, bent, cracked).
Replace the blade(s) with the original
equipment manufacturer’s (O.E.M.) blade(s)
only, listed in this manual. “Use of parts
which do not meet the original equipment
specifications may lead to improper
performance and compromise safety!”
6. Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or
wear gloves, and use extra caution when
servicing them.
7. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to
be sure the equipment is in safe working
condition.
8. Never tamper with the safety interlock
system or other safety devices. Check their
proper operation regularly.
9. After striking a foreign object, stop the
engine, disconnect the spark plug wire(s)
and ground against the engine. Thoroughly
inspect the machine for any damage. Repair
the damage before starting and operating.
10. Never attempt to make adjustments or repairs
to the machine while the engine is running.
11. Grass catcher components and the
discharge cover are subject to wear and
damage which could expose moving parts
or allow objects to be thrown. For safety
protection, frequently check components
and replace immediately with original
equipment manufacturer’s (O.E.M.) parts
only, listed in this manual. “Use of parts
which do not meet the original equipment
specifications may lead to improper
performance and compromise safety!”
12. Do not change the engine governor settings
or over-speed the engine. The governor
controls the maximum safe operating speed
of the engine.
13. Maintain or replace safety and instruction
labels, as necessary.
14. Observe proper disposal laws and
regulations for gas, oil, etc. to protect the
environment.
15. According to the Consumer Products
Safety Commission (CPSC) and the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
this product has an Average Useful Life of
seven (7) years, or 270 hours of operation.
At the end of the Average Useful Life have
the machine inspected annually by an
authorized service dealer to ensure that all
mechanical and safety systems are working
properly and not worn excessively. Failure
to do so can result in accidents, injuries or
death.
Do not modify engine
To avoid serious injury or death, do not modify
engine in any way. Tampering with the governor
setting can lead to a runaway engine and cause it
to operate at unsafe speeds. Never tamper with
factory setting of engine governor.
Notice Regarding Emissions
Engines which are certified to comply with
California and federal EPA emission regulations for
SORE (Small Off Road Equipment) are certified to
operate on regular unleaded gasoline, and may
include the following emission control systems:
Engine Modification (EM), Oxidizing Catalyst
(OC), Secondary Air Injection (SAI) and Three Way
Catalyst (TWC) if so equipped.
When required, models are equipped with
low permeation fuel lines and fuel tanks for
evaporative emission control. California models
may also include a carbon canister. Please contact
Customer Support for information regarding the
evaporative emission control configuration for
your model.
Spark Arrestor
WARNING
This machine is equipped with an internal combustion
engine and should not be used on or near any
unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-
covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is
equipped with a spark arrestor meeting applicable
local or state laws (if any).
If a spark arrestor is used, it should be maintained
in effective working order by the operator. In the
State of California the above is required by law
(Section 4442 of the California Public Resources
Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal
laws apply on federal lands.
A spark arrestor for the muffler is available through
your nearest engine authorized service dealer or
contact the service department, P.O. Box 361131
Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.