Safety Instructions
WARNING: Read and follow all safety rules and
instructions in this manual before attempting to operate
this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions
may result in personal injury.
IMPORTANT: This machine is capable of amputating
hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe
the following safety instructions could result in serious
injury or death.
General Information
• Read, understand, and follow instructions and warnings
in this manual and on the machine, engine and
attachments.
• Only allow operators who are responsible, trained,
familiar with the instructions, and physically capable to
operate the machine.
• Do not carry passengers and keep bystanders away.
• Do not operate the machine while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
Preparation Before Operating
• Clear the operating area of any objects which could be
thrown by or interfere with operation of the machine.
• Keep the area of operation clear of all bystanders,
particularly small children. Stop the machine and
attachment(s) if anyone enters the area.
• Do not operate the machine without the entire grass
catcher, discharge chute, or other safety devices in place
and functioning properly. Check frequently for signs of
wear or deterioration and replace as needed.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment such as
safety glasses, hearing protection, and footwear.
Operating
• Only operate the engine in well ventilated areas. Exhaust
gases contain carbon monoxide, a deadly poison.
6
• Only operate the machine in daylight or good artificial
light.
• Avoid holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden hazards.
Uneven terrain could overturn the machine, or cause
operator to lose their balance or footing.
• Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the
machine. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.
• Do not direct discharge material toward anyone. Avoid
discharging material against a wall or obstruction.
Material may ricochet back toward the operator. Stop the
blade(s) when crossing gravel surfaces.
• Do not leave a running machine unattended. Always park
on level ground, disengage the blades, set parking
brake, and stop engine.
• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always
look down and behind before and while backing.
Children Specific
• 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 operating area and under the
watchful care of a responsible adult other than the
operator.
• Do not carry children, even with the blade(s) shut off.
Children could fall off and be seriously injured or
interfere with safe machine operation. Children who have
been given rides in the past could suddenly appear in the
mowing area for another ride and be run over or backed
over by the machine.
Slope Specific
WARNING: Slopes are a major factor related to
accidents. Operation on slopes requires extra caution.
DANGER: If at rest on an uphill slope, do not shift
the tractor into gear and dump the clutch. Doing so can
result in a rear overturn (the front tires lift off the
ground and the machine flips over backwards).
MT200 LAWN TRACTOR
• Travel in the manufacturer recommended direction on
slopes. Use caution while operating near drop-offs.
• Avoid mowing wet grass.
• Do not operate machine under any condition where
traction, steering, or stability is in question. Tires could
slide even if the wheels are stopped.
• Always keep the machine in gear when going down
slopes. Do not coast downhill.
• Avoid starting and stopping on slopes. Avoid making
sudden changes in speed or direction. Make turns slowly
and gradually.
• Use extra care while operating machine with a grass
catcher or other attachment(s). They can affect the
stability of the machine.
Fire and Fuel Specific
• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of
ignition.
• Use only an approved fuel container.
• Do not remove fuel cap or add fuel with the engine
running or while hot.
• Do not refuel indoors or in enclosed spaces.
• Do not store the machine or fuel container, or refuel,
where there is an open flame, spark, or pilot light such as
on a water heater or other appliance.
• If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to start the engine and
avoid creating any source of ignition until fuel vapors
have dissipated.
• To help prevent fires: keep machine free of grass, leaves,
or other debris build up; clean up oil or fuel spillage and
remove any fuel soaked debris; allow machine to cool
before storing.
• Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They
are flammable and vapors are explosive.
MT200 LAWN TRACTOR
Hauling
• Use full width ramps for loading and unloading a machine
for transport.
Towing
• Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for weight
limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes.
Service
• Keep machine in good working order. Replace worn or
damaged parts.
• Use caution when servicing blades. Wrap the blade(s) or
wear gloves. Replace damaged blades. Do not repair or
alter blade(s).
• Disconnect spark plug wire(s) and the negative battery
cable before making any repairs.
WARNING: Running engine gives off carbon
monoxide, an odorless,colorless, poisonous gas.
Breathing carbon monoxide cancause headaches, fatigue,
dizziness, vomiting, confusion,seizures, nausea,
fainting or death.
• Operate equipment ONLY outdoors.
• Keep exhaust gas from entering a confined area through
windows, doors, ventilation intakes, or other openings.
7