Troy-Bilt Colt FT Operation Manual - Page 3

Important Safe Operation Practices 2 WARNING! This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury. When you see this symbol. HEED ITS WARNING! CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING! Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. WARNING! Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling DANGER! This machine was built to be operated according to the safe operation practices in this manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating fingers, hands, toes and feet. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death. Training 1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe place for future and regular reference and for ordering replacement parts. 2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation. Know how to stop the machine and disengage them quickly. 3. Never allow children under 14 years of age to operate this machine. Children 14 and over should read and understand the instructions and safe operation practices in this manual and on the machine and be trained and supervised by an adult. 4. Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper instruction. 5. Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, particularly small children and pets. Stop machine if anyone enters the area. Preparation 1. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, and other foreign objects which could be tripped over and cause personal injury. 2. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close fitting slacks and shirt. Loose fitting clothes or jewelry can be caught in moving parts. Never operate this machine in bare feet or sandals. 3. Disengage clutch levers and shift (if provided) into neutral ("N") before starting the engine. 4. Never leave this machine unattended with the engine running. 5. Never attempt to make any adjustments while engine is running, except where specifically recommended in the operator's manual. Safe Handling of Gasoline: To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive. Serious personal injury can occur when gasoline is spilled on yourself or your clothes which can ignite. Wash your skin and change clothes immediately. a. Use only an approved gasoline container. b. Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place containers on the ground away from your vehicle before filling. 3