14
OPERATION
SAFEty INtErLOCk SyStEM
The safety interlock system is designed for safe operation of the trac-
tor. If this system should ever malfunction, do not operate the tractor.
Immediately contact 1-800-4-MY-HOME to have the system serviced.
The safety interlock system prevents the engine from starting
•
unless the parking brake is engaged and the PTO (Blade Engage)
lever is in the disengaged (OFF) position.
The safety interlock system will automatically shut off the engine if
•
the operator leaves the seat before engaging the parking brake.
The safety interlock system will automatically shut off the engine if
•
the operator leaves the tractor’s seat with the PTO (Blade Engage)
lever engaged, regardless of whether the parking brake is engaged.
The engine will automatically shut off if the PTO (Blade Engage)
•
lever is moved into the engaged (ON) position with the shift lever
in Reverse.
Gas and Oil Fill-up
Oil
IMPORTANT:
Your tractor is shipped with motor oil in the engine.
However, you MUST check the oil level before operating. Be careful
not to overfill.
For instructions on how to check the engine oil, refer to Checking The
Engine Oil in the Service and Maintenance section of this manual.
CAutION
Always check the engine oil level before each use as instructed in
the Maintenance section. Add oil as necessary. Failure to do so may
result in serious damage to your engine.
Gasoline
The gasoline tank is located under the hood. Do not overfill.
wArNING
Use extreme care when handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely
flammable and the vapors are explosive. Never fuel machine indoors
or while the engine is hot or running. Extinguish cigarettes, cigars,
pipes, and other sources of ignition.
NOTE
: Purchase gasoline in small quantities. Do not use gasoline left
over from the previous season, to minimize gum deposits in the fuel
system.
This engine is certified to operate on unleaded gasoline. For best
•
results, fill the fuel tank with only clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline
with a pump sticker octane rating of 87 or higher.
Gasohol (up to 10% ethyl alcohol, 90% unleaded gasoline by
•
volume) is an approved fuel. Other gasoline/alcohol blends, such
as E85, are not approved.
Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) and unleaded gasoline blends
•
(up to a maximum of 15% MTBE by volume) are approved fuels.
Other gasoline/ether blends are not approved.
Fill fuel tank outdoors or in well-ventilated area.
•
Do not overfill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than 1/2 inch below
•
bottom of filler neck to allow space for fuel expansion.
Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine is hot or run-
•
ning. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.
If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and equipment. Move
•
machine to another area. Wait 5 minutes before starting the
engine.
to Add Gasoline
Turn the engine off and let engine cool at least 2 minutes before
1.
removing the fuel cap. The gasoline tank is located under the
hood. Remove the fuel cap by turning it counterclockwise.
Fill the fuel tank with gasoline. Use only clean, fresh (no more than 30
2.
days old), unleaded gasoline. Fill tank to no more than 1/2 inch
below bottom of filler neck to allow space for fuel expansion.
Reinstall the fuel cap.
3.
IMPORTANT:
Do not overfill the tank.
wArNING
Avoid Serious Injury or Death
Go up and down slopes, not across.
•
Avoid sudden turns.
•
Do not operate the unit where it could slip or tip.
•
If machine stops going uphill, stop blades and back downhill
•
slowly.
Do not mow when children or others are around.
•
Never carry children, even with blades off.
•
Look down and behind before and while backing.
•
Keep safety devices (guards, shields, and switches) in place
•
and working.
Remove objects that could be thrown by the blades.
•
Know location and function of all controls.
•
Be sure blades and engine are stopped before placing hands or
•
feet near blades.
Before leaving operator’s position, stop tractor, disengage
•
blades, engage parking brake, shut engine off, and remove key.
read Operator’s Manual
