Operation
Before Operation
Safety
•
Use extension cords and receptacles as specified by
the manufacturer for all machines with electric starting
motors.
•
Do not operate the machine without wearing adequate
winter garments. Avoid loose fitting clothing that can get
caught in moving parts. Wear substantial, slip-resistant
footwear that will improve footing on slippery surfaces.
•
Always wear safety glasses or eye protection during
operation or while performing an adjustment or repair
to protect eyes from foreign objects that may be thrown
from the machine.
•
Thoroughly inspect the area where the machine is to be
used and remove all doormats, sleds, boards, wires, and
other foreign objects.
•
If a shield, safety device, or decal is damaged, illegible, or
lost, repair or replace it before beginning operation. Also,
tighten any loose fasteners.
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
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.
•
Do not tip the machine either forward or
backward with fuel in the fuel tank; otherwise,
fuel may leak out of the machine.
Filling the Fuel Tank
•
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).
•
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
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 fuel containers
over the winter unless you use a fuel stabilizer.
•
Do not
add oil to gasoline.
Important:
To reduce starting problems, add fuel
stabilizer to the fuel all season, mixing it with gasoline
less than 30 days old.
Figure 9
1.
Do not fill above the bottom of the fuel-tank neck.
Checking the Engine-Oil Level
Refer to
Checking the Engine-Oil Level (page 14)
.
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