Operation
Note:
Determine the left and right sides of the machine
from the normal operating position.
Each time before you mow, ensure that the self-propel drive
and the control bar operate properly. When you release the
control bar, the blades and the self-propel drive should stop.
If they do not, contact an Authorized Service Dealer.
CAUTION
This machine produces sound levels in excess of
85dBA at the operator’s ear and can cause hearing
loss through extended periods of exposure.
Wear hearing protection when operating this
machine.
Figure 11
1.
Warning—wear hearing protection.
Checking the Engine Oil Level
Service Interval:
Before each use or daily
Before each use, ensure that the oil level is between the
Add
and
Full
marks on the dipstick (Figure 12).
G01981 1
4
Figure 12
1.
Dipstick
3.
Add mark
2.
Full mark
4.
Oil-fill tube
1.
Move the machine to a level surface.
2.
Clean around the dipstick (Figure 12).
3.
Remove the dipstick by rotating the cap
counterclockwise and pulling it out.
4.
Wipe the dipstick clean with a clean cloth.
5.
Insert the dipstick into the filler neck, then remove it.
Note:
To ensure an accurate oil level reading, install
the dipstick fully.
6.
Read the oil level on the dipstick (Figure 12).
•
If the oil level is below the
Add
mark, add a small
amount of oil
slowly
to the oil-fill tube, then repeat
steps 4 through 6 until the oil level is at the
Full
mark on the dipstick.
•
If the oil level above the
Full
mark, drain the
excess oil until the oil level is at the
Full
mark on
the dipstick; refer to Changing the Engine Oil
(page 17).
Important:
If the oil level in the crankcase is
too low or too high and you run the engine,
you may damage the engine.
7.
Insert the dipstick into the filler neck and rotate the cap
clockwise until it is tight.
Filling the Fuel Tank with
Gasoline
Recommended Fuel:
•
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 up to 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 a fuel stabilizer is used.
•
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; run the machine dry before storing
it for more than 30 days.
Do not use fuel additives other than a fuel
stabilizer/conditioner. Do not use fuel stabilizers
with an alcohol base such as ethanol, methanol, or
isopropanol.
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