Safety Rules & Information
REPAIR 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
refueling.
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
possible, then refuel such equipment on a trailer with
a portable container, rather than from a gasoline
dispenser nozzle.
8. Keep nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank
or container opening at all times until fueling is
complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.
9. If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing
immediately.
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.
Repair & Maintenance
1. Never run the unit in an enclosed area where carbon
monoxide fumes may collect.
2. Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment
bolts, tight and keep equipment in good condition.
3. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly and make necessary repairs if
they are not functioning properly.
4. Keep unit free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-
up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage. and remove any
fuel-soaked debris. Allow machine to cool before
storage.
5. If you strike an object, stop and inspect the machine.
Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
6. Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine
running. Disconnect the spark plug wire(s) and
ground against the engine to prevent unintended
starting.
7. Check grass catcher components and the discharge
guard frequently and replace with manufacturer’s
recommended parts, when necessary.
8. Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear
gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.
9. Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and
service as required.
10. Maintain or replace safety and instructions labels, as
necessary.
11. Do not remove the fuel filter when the engine is hot
as spilled gasoline may ignite. Do not spread fuel
line clamps further than necessary. Ensure clamps
grip hoses firmly over the filter after installation.
12. Do not use gasoline containing METHANOL, gasohol
containing more than 10% ETHANOL, gasoline
additives, or white gas because engine/fuel system
damage could result.
13. If the fuel tank must be drained, it should be drained
outdoors.
14. Replace faulty silencers/mufflers.
15. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels as
necessary.
16. Use only factory authorized replacement parts when
making repairs.
17. Always comply with factory specifications on all
settings and adjustments.
18. Only authorized service locations should be utilized
for major service and repair requirements.
19. Never attempt to make major repairs on this unit
unless you have been properly trained. Improper
service procedures can result in hazardous
operation, equipment damage and voiding of
manufacturer’s warranty.
20. On multiple blade mowers, take care as rotating one
blade can cause other blades to rotate.
21. Do not change engine governor settings or over-
speed the engine. Operating the engine at
excessive speed can increase the hazard of personal
injury.
22. Disengage drive attachments, stop the engine,
remove the key, and disconnect the spark plug
wire(s) before: clearing attachment blockages and
chutes, performing service work, striking an object,
or if the unit vibrates abnormally. After striking
an object, inspect the machine for damage and
make repairs before restarting and operating the
equipment.
23. Never place hands near the moving parts, such as a
hydro pump cooling fan, when the tractor is running.
(Hydro pump cooling fans are typically located on top
of the transaxle).
24. 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 connections 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 immediately by your
authorized dealer.
25. WARNING: Stored energy device. Improper
release of springs can result in serious personal
injury. Springs should be removed by an authorized
technician.
26. 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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