Operation
Note:
Determine the left and right sides of the
machine from the normal operating position.
Before Operation
Before Operation Safety
General Safety
•
Become familiar with the safe operation of the
equipment, operator controls, and safety signs.
•
Check that all guards and safety devices, such as
deflectors and/or grass catcher, are in place and
working properly.
•
Always inspect the machine to ensure that the
blades, blade bolts, and cutting assembly are not
worn or damaged.
•
Inspect the area where you will use the machine,
and remove all objects that could interfere with
the operation of the machine or that the machine
could throw.
•
Adjusting the cutting height may bring you into
contact with the moving blade, causing serious
injury.
– Shut off the engine, remove the ignition key
(electric-start model only), and wait for all
moving parts to stop.
– Do not put your fingers under the housing
when adjusting the cutting height.
Fuel Safety
•
Fuel is extremely flammable and highly explosive.
A fire or explosion from fuel can burn you and
others and can damage property.
– To prevent a static charge from igniting the fuel,
place the container and/or machine directly on
the ground before filling, not in a vehicle or on
an object.
– Fill the fuel tank outdoors, in an open area,
when the engine is cold. Wipe up any fuel that
spills.
– Do not handle fuel when smoking or around an
open flame or sparks.
– Do not remove the fuel cap or add fuel to the
tank while the engine is running or hot.
– If you spill fuel, do not attempt to start the
engine. Avoid creating a source of ignition until
the fuel vapors have dissipated.
– Store fuel in an approved container and keep
it out of the reach of children.
•
Fuel is harmful or fatal if swallowed. Long-term
exposure to vapors can cause serious injury and
illness.
– Avoid prolonged breathing of vapors.
– Keep your hands and face away from the
nozzle and the fuel-tank opening.
– Keep fuel away from your eyes and skin.
Filling the Fuel Tank
•
For best results, use only clean, fresh, unleaded
gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher
((R+M)/2 rating method).
•
Oxygenated fuel with up to 10% ethanol or 15%
MTBE by volume is acceptable.
•
Do not
use ethanol blends of gasoline, such
as E15 or E85, with more than 10% ethanol by
volume. Performance problems and/or engine
damage may result, which may not be covered
under warranty.
•
Do not
use gasoline containing methanol.
•
Do not
store fuel either in the fuel tank or in fuel
containers over the winter unless fuel stabilizer
has been added to the fuel.
•
Do not
add oil to gasoline.
Fill the fuel tank with fresh unleaded regular gasoline
from a major name-brand service station (
).
Important:
To reduce starting problems, add
fuel stabilizer to the gasoline all season. Mix the
stabilizer with gasoline less than 30 days old.
g230458
Figure 10
7
