Operation
Note:
Determine the left and right sides of the
machine from the normal operating position.
Before Operation
Before Operation Safety
General Safety
•
Park the machine on a level surface; engage the
parking brake; shut off the engine; remove the key;
and wait for all movement to stop before leaving
the machine.
•
Never allow children or untrained people to
operate or service the machine. Local regulations
may restrict the age of the operator. The owner
is responsible for training all operators and
mechanics.
•
Become familiar with the safe operation of the
equipment, operator controls, and safety signs.
Know how to shut off the engine quickly.
•
Check that operator-presence control (if equipped),
safety switches, and shields are attached and
functioning properly. Do not operate the machine
unless they are functioning properly.
•
Inspect the area where you will use the machine,
and remove all objects that could interfere with
the operation of the machine or that the machine
could throw.
•
Evaluate the terrain to determine what accessories
and attachments are needed to properly and
safely perform the job.
Fuel Safety
•
Use extreme care in handling fuel. It is flammable
and its vapors are explosive
•
Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other
sources of ignition.
•
Do not remove the fuel cap or fill the fuel tank
while the engine is running or hot.
•
Do not add or drain the fuel in an enclosed space.
•
Do not store the machine or fuel container where
there is an open flame, spark, or pilot light, such
as on a water heater or other appliance.
•
If you spill fuel, do not attempt to start the engine;
avoid creating any source of ignition until the fuel
vapors have dissipated.
Performing Daily
Maintenance
Perform the daily maintenance procedures; refer to
Daily Maintenance Checklist (page 25)
.
Checking the Engine-Oil
Level
Check the engine-oil level before each use or every
8 operating hours, refer to
.
Fuel Specifications
Fuel tank capacity:
2.7 L (0.71 US gallons)
Recommended fuel:
Unleaded gasoline with an
octane rating of 87 or higher ((R+M)/2 rating method)
Ethanol:
Gasoline with up to 10% ethanol (gasohol)
or 15% MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether) by volume
is acceptable. Ethanol and MTBE are not the same.
Gasoline with 15% ethanol (E15) by volume is not
approved for use.
•
Never use gasoline that contains more than
10% ethanol by volume
, such as E15 (contains
15% ethanol), E20 (contains 20% ethanol), or E85
(contains up to 85% ethanol).
•
Do not
use gasoline containing methanol.
•
Do not
store fuel either in the fuel tank or fuel
containers over the winter unless you use a fuel
stabilizer.
•
Do not
add oil to gasoline.
•
For best results, use only clean, fresh fuel less
than 30 days old.
•
Using unapproved gasoline may cause
performance problems and/or engine damage,
which may not be covered under the warranty.
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