Fuel and Maintenance
Always disengage all drives, shutoff the engine, and remove
the key before doing any cleaning, refueling, or servicing.
Gasoline and its vapors are extremely flammable. Do not smoke
while operating or refueling. Do not add fuel while engine is hot
or running. Allow engine to cool for at least 3 minutes prior to
adding fuel.
Do not add fuel indoors, in an enclosed trailer, garage, or any
other enclosed area that is not well ventilated. Gasoline spills
should be cleaned up promptly and before operation begins.
Gasoline should be stored only in sealed containers approved
for fuel.
Proper maintenance is critical to the safety and performance of
your unit. Keep the unit free of grass, leaves, and excess oil.
Be sure to perform the maintenance procedures listed in this
manual, especially periodically testing the safety system.
Enclosed Areas
Only operate this unit outdoors and away from unventilated
areas such as inside garages or enclosed trailers. The engine
emits poisonous carbon monoxide gas and prolonged exposure
in an enclosed area can result in serious injury or death.
Training
• Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual
and on the unit before starting. If the operator(s) or
mechanic(s) can not read English it is the owner’s
responsibility to explain this material to them.
• Become familiar with the safe operation of the equipment,
operator controls, and safety signs.
• All operators and mechanics should be trained. The owner
is responsible for training the users.
• Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the
instructions, to operate the unit.
• Never let children or untrained people operate or service
the equipment. Local regulations may restrict the age of the
operator.
• The owner/user can prevent and is responsible for accidents
or injuries occurring to themselves, other people or property.
• Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above, are
involved in a large percentage of riding mower-related
injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability to
operate the riding mower safely enough to protect
themselves and others from serious injury.
Preparation
• Evaluate the terrain to determine what accessories and
attachments are needed to properly and safely perform the
job. Use only accessories and attachments approved by
the manufacturer.
• Wear appropriate clothing including safety shoes, safety
glasses and ear protection. Long hair, loose clothing or
jewelry may get tangled in moving parts.
• Inspect the area where the equipment is to be used and
remove all objects such as rocks, toys and wire, which can
be thrown by the machine.
• Use extra care when handling gasoline and other fuels.
They are flammable and vapors are explosive.
• Use only an approved container.
• Never remove fuel cap or add fuel with the engine running.
Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do not smoke.
• Never refuel or drain the machine indoors.
• Check that operator’s presence controls, safety switches
and shields are attached and functioning properly. Do not
operate unless they are functioning properly.
Operation
• Never run an engine in an enclosed area.
• Mow only in the daylight or with good artificial light, keeping
away from holes and hidden hazards.
• Be sure all drives are in neutral and parking brake is
engaged before starting engine. Only start engine from the
operator’s position. Use seat belts if provided.
• Be sure of your footing while using pedestrian controlled
equipment, especially when backing up. Walk, don’t run.
Reduced footing could cause slipping.
• Slow down and use extra care on hillsides. Be sure to travel
in the recommended direction on hillsides. Turf conditions
can affect the machines stability. Use caution when
operating near drop-offs.
• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always
look down and behind before and while traveling in reverse.
• Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point
it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without either the
entire grass catcher or the deflector in place.
• Slow down and use caution when making turns and when
changing directions on slopes.
• Never raise deck with the blades running.
• Never leave a running unit unattended. Always disengage
the PTO, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys
before dismounting. Keep hands and feet away from the
cutting units.
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