MTD 59A40009727 Manuel D’Utilisation

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slope operaTion
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-over 
accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes 
require extra caution. If you cannot   back up the slope or if 
you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.
For your safety, use the slope gauge (provided in tractor 
Operator’s Manual) to measure slopes before operating the 
unit on a sloped or hilly area. If the slope is greater than 15 
degrees, as shown by the slope gauge, do not operate the unit 
on that area or serious injury could result.
DO:
Mow up and down slopes, not across.
Remove obstacles such as rocks, limbs, etc.
Watch for holes, ruts or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the 
machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
Use slow speeds. Choose a low enough gear so that you will not 
have to stop or shift while on the slope. Always keep the machine 
in gear when going down slopes to take advantage of engine 
braking action.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for wheel weights or 
counterweights to improve stability.
Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. These 
can change the stability of the machine.
Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not make 
sudden changes in speed or direction. Rapid engagement or 
braking could cause the front of the machine to lift and rapidly flip 
over backwards which could cause serious injury.
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If the tires lose traction, 
disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope.
DO NOT:
Do not turn on slopes unless absolutely necessary. If necessary, 
turn slowly and gradually across and down slope, if possible.
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments. The mower 
could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff or 
ditch, or if an edge caves in.
Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding.
Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the 
ground.
cHilDren
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the 
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine 
and the mowing activity. Never assume that 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.
Be alert and turn the machine off if children enter the area.
Before and when backing up, look behind and down for small 
children.
Never carry children, even with the blades off. They may fall 
off and be seriously injured or may interfere with safe machine 
operation.
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Never allow children under 14 years old to operate the 
machine. Children 14 years and older should only operate 
the 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 the key when the machine is left unattended to 
prevent unauthorized operation.
serVice
Use extreme care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They 
are extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.
Use only an approved container.
Never remove fuel cap or add fuel with the engine hot 
or running. Allow the engine to cool at least two minutes 
before refueling.
Replace the fuel cap securely and wipe off any spilled 
fuel before starting the engine as it may cause a fire or 
explosion.
Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources 
of ignition.
Never refuel the machine indoors because fuel vapors 
will accumulate in the area.
Never store the fuel container or machine inside where 
there is an open flame or spark, such as a gas hot water 
heater, space heater or furnace.
Never run a machine inside a closed area. Engine exhaust 
fumes can be lethal.
To reduce fire hazard, keep the machine free of grass, leaves 
or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage. Allow the 
machine to cool at least 5 minutes before storing.
Before cleaning, repairing or inspecting, stop the engine and 
remove key. Make certain the blades and all moving parts 
have stopped. 
Frequently check all nuts, bolts and screws for proper 
tightness to ensure the equipment is in safe working condition, 
especially the blade nuts. Also visually inspect blades for 
damage (e.g., excessive wear, bent, cracked). Replace only 
with blades that meet original equipment specifications.
Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper opera-
tion regularly. Use all guards as instructed in this manual.
After striking a foreign object, stop the engine and thoroughly 
inspect the mower for any damage. Repair the damage before 
restarting and operating the mower.
Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blades or wear 
gloves, and use extra caution when servicing blades.
Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as 
required.
Muffler and engine become hot during operation and can 
cause a burn. Allow to cool down before touching.
Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed the 
engine. Excessive engine speeds are  extremely dangerous.
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