14
Before Operating
Before operating, check the fuel and oil level, remove
debris from the traction unit, and check the tire pressure.
Also, ensure that the area is clear of people and debris.
You should also know and have marked the locations of
all utility lines.
Adding Fuel
Danger
In certain conditions, gasoline is extremely
flammable and highly explosive. A fire or
explosion from gasoline can burn you and others
and can damage property.
•
Fill the fuel tank outdoors, in an open area,
when the engine is cold. Wipe up any gasoline
that spills.
•
Do not fill the fuel tank completely full. Add
gasoline to the fuel tank until the level is 1/4 to
1/2 in. (6 to 13 mm) below the bottom of the
filler neck. This empty space in the tank allows
gasoline to expand.
•
Never smoke when handling gasoline, and stay
away from an open flame or where gasoline
fumes may be ignited by a spark.
•
Store gasoline in an approved container and
keep it out of the reach of children. Never buy
more than a 30-day supply of gasoline.
•
Always place gasoline containers on the ground
away from your vehicle before filling.
•
Do not fill gasoline containers inside a vehicle
or on a truck or trailer bed because interior
carpets or plastic truck bed liners may insulate
the container and slow the loss of any static
charge.
•
When practical, remove gas-powered
equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel
the equipment with its wheels on the ground.
•
If this is not possible, then refuel such
equipment on a truck or trailer from a portable
container, rather than from a gasoline
dispenser nozzle.
•
If a gasoline dispenser nozzle must be used,
keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the
fuel tank or container opening at all times until
fueling is complete.
Use unleaded regular gasoline (87 pump octane
minimum). Leaded regular gasoline may be used if
unleaded regular is not available.
Important
Never use methanol, gasoline containing
methanol, or gasohol containing more than 10% ethanol
because the fuel system could be damaged. Do not mix oil
with gasoline.
Important
Never use fuel additives containing
methanol or ethanol.
Note: The two fuel tanks will run empty equally;
however, you must fill them separately because filling one
will not fill the other.
Filling the Fuel Tanks
1. Park the traction unit on a level surface, lower the
loader arms, and stop the engine.
2. Remove the key and allow the engine to cool.
3. Clean around the fuel tank caps and remove them.
4. Use a funnel and add unleaded regular gasoline to each
fuel tank, until the level is 1/4 to 1/2 in. (6 mm to
13 mm) below the bottom of each filler neck.
Important
This space in the tank allows gasoline to
expand. Do not fill the fuel tank completely full.
5. Install the fuel tank caps securely. Wipe up any
gasoline that may have spilled.
Using Stabilizer/Conditioner
Use a fuel stabilizer/conditioner in the machine to provide
the following benefits:
•
Keeps gasoline fresh during storage of 90 days or less.
For longer storage, drain the fuel tank.
•
Cleans the engine while it runs
•
Eliminates gum-like varnish buildup in the fuel
system, which causes hard starting
Important
Do not use fuel additives containing
methanol or ethanol.
Add the correct amount of gas stabilizer/conditioner to the
gas.
Note: A fuel stabilizer/conditioner is most effective when
mixed with fresh gasoline. To minimize the chance of
varnish deposits in the fuel system, use fuel stabilizer at
all times.
Checking the Oil Level
1. Park the traction unit on a level surface, lower the
loader arms, and stop the engine.
2. Remove the key and allow the engine to cool.
3. Clean around the oil dipstick (Fig. 6).
4. Pull out the dipstick and wipe the metal end clean
(Fig. 6).
5. Slide the dipstick fully into the dipstick tube (Fig. 6).
