OPERATOR SAFETY
Operation and Equipment Safety
This snowthrower is only as safe as the operator. If it is
misused, or not properly maintained, it can be dangerous.
Remember you are responsible for your safety and that of
those around you.
• Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, particularly small children
and pets.
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the snowthrower will be used and remove
all doormats, sleds, boards, wires, and other foreign objects.
• Do not operate the snowthrower without wearing adequate winter clothing.
• Wear footwear that will improve footing on slippery surfaces.
• Use caution to avoid slipping or falling especially when operating the
snowthrower in reverse.
• Never operate the snowthrower without good visibility or light. Always be
sure of your footing, and keep a firm hold on the handles.
• Do not clear snow across the face of slopes. Use extreme caution when
changing direction on slopes. Do not attempt to clear steep slopes.
• Do not overload the machine capacity by attempting to clear snow too
quickly.
• Never operate the snowthrower at high transport speeds on slippery
surfaces. Look behind the snowthrower and use care when operating in
reverse.
• Do not use the snowthrower on surfaces above ground level such as roofs of
residences, garages, porches, or other such structures or buildings.
• Operators should evaluate their ability to operate the snowthrower safely
enough to protect themselves and others from injury.
• The snowthrower is intended to remove snow only. Do not use the snow
thrower for any other purpose.
• Do not carry passengers.
• After striking a foreign object, shut OFF the engine, disconnect the cord on
electric motors, thoroughly inspect the snowthrower for any damage, and
repair the damage before restarting and operating the snowthrower.
• If the snowthrower vibrates abnormally, shut OFF the engine. Vibration is
generally a warning of trouble. See an authorized dealer if necessary for
repairs.
• For models equipped with electric starting motors, disconnect the power
cord after the engine starts.
DANGER
Fuel Handling
Fuel and its vapors are extremely flammable and explosive.
Always handle fuel with extreme care.
Failure to observe these safety instructions can cause a fire
or explosion which will result in severe burns or death.
WHEN ADDING FUEL
• Turn off engine and let cool at least 2 minutes before removing the fuel
cap and adding fuel.
• Fill fuel tank outdoors or in a well ventilated area.
• Do not overfill the fuel tank. To allow for the expansion of gasoline, do not fill
above the bottom of the fuel tank neck.
• Keep fuel away from sparks, open flames, pilot lights, heat, and other
ignition sources.
• Check fuel lines, cap, and fittings frequently for cracks or leaks. Replace if
necessary.
• Use an approved fuel container.
• If fuel spills, wait until it evaporates before starting engine.
WHEN STARTING ENGINE
• Ensure that spark plug, muffler, fuel cap, and air cleaner (if equipped) are in
place and secured.
• Do not crank the engine with the spark plug removed.
• If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to start the engine, but move the snow
thrower away from the area of the spill, and avoid creating any source of
ignition, until the fuel vapors have dissipated.
• Do not over-prime the engine. Follow the engine starting instructions in this
manual.
• If the engine floods, set choke (if equipped) to OPEN/RUN position, move
throttle (if equipped) to FAST position and crank until engine starts.
WHEN OPERATING EQUIPMENT
• Do not tip the snowthrower at an angle which causes the fuel to spill.
• Do not choke the carburetor to stop the engine.
• Never run the engine with the air cleaner assembly (if equipped) or the air
filter (if equipped) removed.
WHEN CHANGING OIL
• If you drain the oil from the top oil fill tube, the fuel tank must be empty or
fuel can leak out and result in a fire or explosion.
WHEN TRANSPORTING EQUIPMENT
• Transport with fuel tank EMPTY, or with fuel shut-off valve OFF.
WHEN STORING GASOLINE OR EQUIPMENT WITH FUEL IN TANK
• Store away from furnaces, stoves, water heaters, or other appliances that have
pilot light or other ignition source because they can ignite fuel vapors.
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DANGER