Operation
Note:
Determine the left and right sides of the
machine from the normal operating position.
Before Operation
Before Operation Safety
General Safety
•
Become familiar with the safe operation of the
equipment, operator controls, and safety signs.
•
Check that all guards and safety devices, such as
deflectors and/or grass catcher, are in place and
working properly.
•
Always inspect the machine to ensure that the
blades, blade bolts, and cutting assembly are not
worn or damaged.
•
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.
•
Adjusting the cutting height may bring you into
contact with the moving blade, causing serious
injury.
– Shut off the engine, remove the ignition key
(electric-start model only), and wait for all
moving parts to stop.
– Do not put your fingers under the housing
when adjusting the cutting height.
Fuel Safety
•
Fuel is extremely flammable and highly explosive.
A fire or explosion from fuel can burn you and
others and can damage property.
– To prevent a static charge from igniting the fuel,
place the container and/or machine directly on
the ground before filling, not in a vehicle or on
an object.
– Fill the fuel tank outdoors, in an open area,
when the engine is cold. Wipe up any fuel that
spills.
– Do not handle fuel when smoking or around an
open flame or sparks.
– Do not remove the fuel cap or add fuel to the
tank while the engine is running or hot.
– If you spill fuel, do not attempt to start the
engine. Avoid creating a source of ignition until
the fuel vapors have dissipated.
– Store fuel in an approved container and keep
it out of the reach of children.
•
Fuel is harmful or fatal if swallowed. Long-term
exposure to vapors can cause serious injury and
illness.
– Avoid prolonged breathing of vapors.
– Keep your hands and face away from the
nozzle and the fuel-tank opening.
– Keep fuel away from your eyes and skin.
Filling the Fuel Tank
DANGER
Gasoline is extremely flammable and
explosive. A fire or explosion from gasoline
can burn you and others.
•
To prevent a static charge from igniting
the gasoline, place the container and/or
machine directly 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 gasoline when smoking or
around an open flame or sparks.
•
Store gasoline in an approved fuel
container, out of the reach of children.
•
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.
•
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). Using unapproved
gasoline may cause performance problems and/or
engine damage which may not be covered under
warranty.
•
Do not
use gasoline containing methanol.
•
Do not
store fuel either in the fuel tank or in fuel
containers over the winter unless you use a fuel
stabilizer.
•
Do not
add oil to gasoline.
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