7
Operator Safety
Service 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.
Maintenance and Storage
1. Always observe safe refueling and fuel handling
practices when refueling the unit after transportation or
storage.
2. Always follow the engine manual instructions for storage
preparations before storing the unit for both short and
long term periods.
3. Always follow the engine manual instructions for proper
start-up procedures when returning the unit to service.
4. Never store the machine or fuel container inside where
there is an open flame, such as in a water heater. Allow
unit to cool before storing.
5. Shut off fuel while storing or transporting. Do not store
fuel near flames or drain indoors.
6. Keep all hardware, especially blade attachment bolts,
tight and keep all parts in good working condition.
Replace all worn or damaged decals.
7. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.
8. Disengage drives, lower implement, set parking brake,
stop engine and remove key or disconnect spark plug
wire. Wait for all movement to stop before adjusting,
cleaning or repairing.
9. Clean grass and debris from cutting units, drives,
mufflers, and engine to prevent fires. Clean up oil or
fuel spillage.
10. Let engine cool before storing and do not store near
flame.
11. Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object.
Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
12. Park machine on level ground. Never allow untrained
personnel to service machine.
13. Use jack stands to support components when required.
14. Carefully release pressure from components with stored
energy.
15. Disconnect battery or remove spark plug wire before
making any repairs. Disconnect the negative terminal
first and the positive last. Reconnect positive first and
negative last.
16. Use care when checking blades. Wrap the blade(s)
or wear gloves, and use caution when servicing them.
Only replace blades. Never straighten or weld them.
17. Keep hands and feet away from moving parts. If
possible, do not make adjustments with the engine
running.
18. Charge batteries in an open well ventilated area,
away from spark and flames. Unplug charger before
connecting or disconnecting from battery. Wear
protective clothes and use insulated tools.
19. Grass catcher components are subject to wear,
damage, and deterioration, which could expose moving
parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently
check components and replace with manufacturer’s
recommended parts, when necessary.
20. Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as
required.
21. Use only factory authorized replacement parts when
making repairs.
22. Always comply with factory specifications on all settings
and adjustments.
23. Only authorized service locations should be utilized for
major service and repair requirements.
24. 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.
25. 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.
26. WARNING: Stored energy device. Improper release of
springs can result in serious personal injury. Springs
should be removed by an authorized technician.
27. 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.
Not
for
Reproduction
