DANGER
Fuel is extremely flammable and explosive. A
fire or explosion from fuel can burn you and
others.
•
To prevent a static charge from igniting the
fuel, place the container and/or machine on
the ground before filling, not in a vehicle
or on an object.
•
Fill the tank outdoors when the engine is
cold. Wipe up spills.
•
Do not handle fuel when smoking or
around an open flame or sparks.
•
Store fuel in an approved fuel container,
out of the reach of children.
•
Do not tip the machine either forward
or backward with fuel in the fuel tank;
otherwise, fuel may leak out of the
machine.
Filling the Fuel Tank
•
For best results, use only clean, fresh (less than
30 days old), unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating of 87 or higher ((R+M)/2 rating method).
•
Oxygenated fuel with up to 10% ethanol or 15%
MTBE by volume is acceptable.
•
Do not
use ethanol blends of gasoline (such
as E15 or E85) with more than 10% ethanol by
volume. Performance problems and/or engine
damage may result which may not be covered
under warranty.
•
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.
Do not fill above the bottom of the fuel tank neck
(
).
g216203
Figure 15
Note:
For best results, purchase only the quantity
of fuel that you expect to use in 30 days. Otherwise,
you may add fuel stabilizer to newly purchased fuel to
keep it fresh for up to 6 months.
During Operation
During Operation Safety
•
Shut off the engine before unclogging the
machine and always use a stick or the
snow-cleanout tool (if provided).
•
A rotating auger can injure hands or feet.
Stay
behind the handles and away from the discharge
opening while operating the machine.
Keep your
face, hands, feet, and any other part of your
body or clothing away from moving or rotating
parts.
•
Never direct the discharge toward people or areas
where property damage can occur.
•
Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.
Always be sure of your footing, and keep a firm
hold on the handles. Walk; never run.
•
Exercise extreme caution when operating on
slopes.
•
Never operate the machine without good visibility
or light.
•
Do not operate the machine while ill, tired, or
under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
•
Look behind and use care when backing up with
the machine.
•
When not actively clearing snow, disengage power
to the auger.
•
Exercise extreme caution when operating on or
crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads. Stay alert
for hidden hazards or traffic.
•
Never attempt to make any adjustments while the
engine is running.
•
After striking a foreign object, shut off the engine,
remove the ignition key (electric-start models
only), thoroughly inspect the machine for any
damage, and repair the damage before starting
and operating the machine.
•
If the machine should start to vibrate abnormally,
shut off the engine and check for the cause.
•
Do not run the engine indoors unless there is
adequate ventilation (e.g., leaving an outside door
open); exhaust fumes are dangerous.
•
Do not overload the machine capacity by
attempting to clear snow at too fast a rate.
•
Never touch a hot engine or muffler.
Starting the Engine
1.
Check the engine-oil level. Refer to
the Engine-Oil Level (page 17)
.
2.
Turn the fuel-shutoff valve 1/4 turn
counterclockwise to open it (
).
9
