Excel BigDog, Operator'S Manual

Page: 30 / 41

Observe usual fuel handling precautions
• Do not smoke while refueling. Extinguish all ciga-
rettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of ignition.
• Do not remove fuel cap or fill tank with engine
running or while engine is hot.
Clean up any fuel
spills.
• If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to start the engine
but move the machine away from the area of spill-
age and avoid creating any source of ignition until
fuel vapors have dissipated.
• Allow engine to cool before storing machine inside
a building.
• Keep fuel away from open flame or spark and store
machine away from open flame or spark or pilot
light such as on a water heater or appliances.
• Use extreme care when handling gasoline and other
fuels. They are extremely flammable and vapors are
explosive. A fire or explosion from fuel can burn
you and others and can damage property.
• Refuel outdoors. Never refuel or drain the fuel from
the machine indoors.
• Never attempt to start engine when there is a strong
odor of gasoline fumes present. Locate and correct
cause.
• Store fuel in an approved container and keep it out
of the reach of children. Never buy more than a 30
day supply of fuel.
• Do not fill fuel containers inside a vehicle or on a
truck or trailer bed with interior carpets or plastic
truck bed liners. Always place fuel containers on
the ground away from your vehicle before filling.
• When practical, remove gas powered equipment
from the truck or trailer and refuel the equipment
with its wheels on the ground. If this is not possible,
then refuel such equipment on the truck or trailer
using a portable container and not a fuel dispenser
nozzle. If a fuel dispenser nozzle must be used,
keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel
tank or container opening at all times until fueling is
complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.
• Never use gasoline for cleaning parts.
• Read and observe safety precautions elsewhere in
this manual.
• Gasoline is harmful or fatal if swallowed.
• Long-term exposure to vapors can cause serious
injury and illness.
• Avoid prolonged breathing of vapors.
• Keep face away from nozzle and gas tank or fuel
container opening.
• Keep gas away from eyes and skin.
• If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing imme-
diately.
4-4 603744_0911
The fuel tanks are located in the mower’s fenders.
Remove the fuel cap slowly.
When threading the fuel cap onto the filler neck, tighten the
cap until it begins to click, then, continue to turn it until at least
three clicks are heard.
IMPORTANT: Do not overfill the fuel tanks. The fuel tanks
should be filled no higher than the bottom of the fill neck.
The fuel system is designed to leave room for the fuel to expand
with fuel temperature changes. If filling the tank from a pump
with an automatic shut-off, stop filling the tank after the fuel
nozzle automatically clicks off.
Overfilling fuel tanks may cause the following:
• Engine damage
• Fire hazard!
Use regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or
higher. IMPORTANT: Never use methanol, gasoline containing
methanol, or gasohol containing more than 10% ethanol because
the fuel system could be damaged. Do not mix oil with gasoline.
Refer to the engine owner’s manual for fuel specification
requirements.
A fuel shut-off valve is located on each mower. Close the fuel
valve to prevent fuel flow to the engine. The valve’s two other
positions will allow fuel to be drawn from either one or the other
fuel tank. Figure 4-4
Right fuel tank
Left fuel tank
Closed
position
Figure 4-4
WARNING WARNING
WARNING