4
Section 1: Safety
BEFORE OPERATION
1. Before each use, thoroughly inspect the
mowing area. Remove all
metal, debris, and other
hazards. Inspect for holes,
ruts or bumps. Uneven ter-
rain could overturn the unit.
Tall vegetation can hide
hazards.
2. Never operate the unit without all
guards in place and working properly
(except for the plastic blade protector,
which should be removed before starting
the engine).
3. Before removing or installing the
plastic blade protector, shut the engine
off, disconnect the spark plug wire, and
prevent it from touching the spark plug.
On electric start models, also remove the
ignition key from the keyswitch.
4. Check the operation of the control
levers under each handlebar grip. See the
"Operation" Section in this manual for spe-
cific instructions. Do not use the unit if
control levers are not functioning properly.
CORRECT ANY MALFUNCTION BEFORE
USING THE UNIT!
HANDLING GASOLINE
1. Use extreme care in handling gaso-
line and other fuels.
Gasoline is highly
flammable and its vapors
are volatile, explosive,
and dangerous. Keep gasoline and gaso-
line containers away from hot engine
exhaust. Never allow flame, sparks,
smoking materials or other hot objects
near gasoline, gasoline fumes, the fuel
container or fuel tank.
2. Use an approved fuel container only.
Wipe up any spilled gasoline immediately.
3. Leave one inch of air space at top of
fuel tank to allow room for expansion.
4. Store gasoline in a cool, well-ventilated
area. Never store unit or fuel container
inside where there is an open flame or
spark, such as a hot water heater, furnace,
etc.
5. Never remove fuel fill cap, or add fuel
to fuel tank, if engine is running or hot.
Allow the engine to cool for several min-
utes before filling the fuel tank. Always
replace fuel fill cap before starting engine.
6. Never refuel unit indoors. Refuel out-
doors in a well-ventilated area only.
7. Check the gasoline level in the fuel tank
outdoors, before starting the engine.
Reinstall the fuel tank cap securely and
clean up any spilled gasoline before
starting the engine.
8. Do not smoke while mowing.
9. Move the unit away from gasoline
fumes before starting the engine.
OPERATION
1. Keep the plastic blade protector on the
cutter bar blade until you are ready to start
the engine.
2. Do not put hands or feet near or under
any moving parts. Keep clear of the cutter
bar at all times while the engine is
running.
3. Never leave the operator position while
the engine is running. Stop
the engine, disconnect the
spark plug wire and move it
away from the spark plug to
help prevent accidental
starting whenever leaving the unit unat-
tended. On electric start models, remove
the ignition key to help prevent accidental
starting or unauthorized use.
4. Before removing or installing the
plastic blade protector, shut the engine
off, disconnect the spark plug wire, and
prevent it from touching the spark plug.
On electric start models, also remove the
ignition key from the keyswitch.
5. Do not change the engine governor set-
ting. Over-speeding may damage the
engine and unit and will void the warranty.
See an authorized engine service dealer if
an engine problem exists.
6. Disengage the cutter bar when
crossing gravel drives, walkways or roads.
7. Watch for, and avoid, traffic when
operating near roadways.
8. Disengage the cutter bar
drive and the wheel drive if
you are approached by a child,
inattentive person or a pet.
9. Before inspecting, adjusting or
repairing the unit or cutter
bar, stop the engine, let all
moving parts come to a
complete stop, disconnect
the spark plug wire, and
install the plastic blade guard. On electric
start models, remove the ignition key from
the keyswitch.
10. If the unit should start to vibrate
abnormally, stop the engine, wait for all
moving parts to stop completely, discon-
nect the spark plug wire and prevent it
from touching the spark plug. Remove the
engine ignition key on electric start
models. Inspect the unit for damage.
Repair any damage before continuing.
11. If the unit should strike a foreign
object, stop the engine, wait for all moving
parts to stop completely, disconnect the
spark plug wire and prevent it from
touching the spark plug. Remove the
engine ignition key on electric start
models. Inspect the unit for damage.
Repair any damage before continuing.
12. Do not run the engine in an enclosed
area. Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, a deadly, poisonous gas that is
odorless, colorless and tasteless. Always
run the engine outdoors with adequate
ventilation.
13. Always mow across the face of slopes.
Do not operate unit on slopes steeper than
15°.
14. Keep all movements on a slope slow
and gradual. Do not make sudden changes
in speed or direction.
15. Do not touch engine parts which may
be hot from operation. Let parts cool for
several minutes before going near them.
16. Keep children out of the mowing area
and under the supervision of a responsible
adult other than the unit operator.
17. Before and when backing, check for
and avoid obstacles and hazards.
18. Disengage the cutter bar drive when
not mowing.
19. Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or
embankments. If a wheel drops off an
edge, the unit could suddenly overturn.
20. To help reduce fire hazard, keep the
engine free of grass, leaves, grease and
other debris.
CHILDREN
1. Tragic accidents can occur if the oper-
ator is not alert to the presence of chil-
dren. Children are often attracted to the
unit and the mowing activity. Never
assume that children will remain where
you last saw them.
2. Never allow children to operate the
unit, even under adult supervision. Local
regulations may restrict operator age. Only
allow responsible adults, who are familiar
with these instructions, to operate the
unit.
