Safety Rules & Information
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
To avoid personal injury or property damage, use
extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is
extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.
Safe Handling of Gasoline
1. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other
sources of ignition.
2. Use only approved gasoline containers.
3. Never remove the gas cap or add fuel with the
engine running. Allow the engine to cool before refu-
eling.
4. Never fuel the machine indoors.
5. Never store the machine or fuel container where
there is an open flame, spark, or pilot light such as
near a water heater or other appliance.
6. Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck
bed with a plastic bed liner. Always place containers
on the ground away from your vehicle before filling.
7. Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or
trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possi-
ble, then refuel such equipment on a trailer with a
portable container, rather than from a gasoline dis-
penser nozzle.
8. Keep nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or
container opening at all times until fueling is com-
plete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.
9. If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immedi-
ately.
10. Never over-fill the fuel tank. Replace gas cap and
tighten securely.
11. Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels.
They are flammable and vapors are explosive.
12. If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to start the engine
but move the machine away from the area of spillage
and avoid creating any source of ignition until fuel
vapors have dissipated.
13. Replace all fuel tank caps and fuel container caps
securely.
Maintenance and Storage
1. Always observe safe refueling and fuel handling
practices when refueling the unit after transportation
or storage.
2. Always follow the engine manual instructions for stor-
age preparations before storing the unit for both
short and long term periods.
3. Always follow the engine manual instructions for
proper start-up procedures when returning the unit to
service.
4. Never store the machine or fuel container inside
where there is an open flame, such as in a water
heater. Allow unit to cool before storing.
5. Shut off fuel while storing or transporting. Do not
store fuel near flames or drain indoors.
6. Keep all hardware, especially blade attachment bolts,
tight and keep all parts in good working condition.
Replace all worn or damaged decals.
7. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their prop-
er operation regularly.
8. Disengage drives, lower implement, set parking
brake, stop engine and remove key or disconnect
spark plug wire. Wait for all movement to stop before
adjusting, cleaning or repairing.
9. Clean grass and debris from cutting units, drives,
mufflers, and engine to prevent fires. Clean up oil or
fuel spillage.
10. Let engine cool before storing and do not store near
flame.
11. Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an
object. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
12. Park machine on level ground. Never allow untrained
personnel to service machine.
13. Use jack stands to support components when
required.
14. Carefully release pressure from components with
stored energy.
15. Disconnect battery or remove spark plug wire before
making any repairs. Disconnect the negative termi-
nal first and the positive last. Reconnect positive first
and negative last.
16. Use care when checking blades. Wrap the blade(s)
or wear gloves, and use caution when servicing
them. Only replace blades. Never straighten or weld
them.
17. Keep hands and feet away from moving parts. If
possible, do not make adjustments with the engine
running.
18. Charge batteries in an open well ventilated area,
away from spark and flames. Unplug charger before
connecting or disconnecting from battery. Wear pro-
tective clothes and use insulated tools.
19. Grass catcher components are subject to wear, dam-
age, and deterioration, which could expose moving
parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently
check components and replace with manufacturer’s
recommended parts, when necessary.
20. Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service
as required.
21. Use only factory authorized replacement parts when
making repairs.
22. Always comply with factory specifications on all set-
tings and adjustments.
23. Only authorized service locations should be utilized
for major service and repair requirements.
24. Never attempt to make major repairs on this unit
unless you have been properly trained. Improper
service procedures can result in hazardous opera-
tion, equipment damage and voiding of manufactur-
er’s warranty.
25. Units with hydraulic pumps, hoses, or motors:
WARNING: Hydraulic fluid escaping under pressure
may have sufficient force to penetrate skin and cause
serious injury. If foreign fluid is injected into the skin
it must be surgically removed within a few hours by a
doctor familiar with this form of injury or gangrene
may result. Keep body and hands away from pin
holes or nozzles that eject hydraulic fluid under high
pressure. Use paper or cardboard, and not hands, to
search for leaks. Make sure all hydraulic fluid con-
nections are tight and all hydraulic hoses and lines
are in good condition before applying pressure to the
system. If leaks occur, have the unit serviced imme-
diately by your authorized dealer.
26. WARNING: Stored energy device. Improper release
of springs can result in serious personal injury.
Springs should be removed by an authorized techni-
cian.
27. Models equipped with an engine radiator: WARNING:
Stored energy device. To prevent serious bodily
injury from hot coolant or steam blow-out, never
attempt to remove the radiator cap while the engine
is running. Stop the engine and wait until it is cool.
Even then, use extreme care when removing the
cap.
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