SAFETY
Safe Handling of Gasoline
To avoid personal injury or damage to property,
use care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is very
fl ammable and the vapors are explosive.
WARNING! The engine and the exhaust
system become very hot during operation.
There is a risk for burns if touched. Let engine
and exhaust system to cool before refueling.
• Do not fuel the
machine indoors.
• Extinguish all
cigarettes, cigars,
pipes, and other
sources of ignition.
• Use only approved
gasoline containers.
• Do not remove gas cap or add fuel with
the engine running. Let engine cool before
refueling.
• Do not keep the machine or fuel container
where there is an open fl ame, spark or pilot light
such as on a water heater or other appliance.
• Before you start refueling, keep the risk of static
electricity to a minimum by touching a metal
surface.
• Do not fi ll containers in a vehicle or on a truck
or trailer bed with plastic liner. Always put
containers on the ground away from the vehicle
when fi lling.
• Do not put too much fuel in the tank. Replace
gas cap and tighten securely.
• Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck
or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not
possible, refuel such equipment with a portable
container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser
nozzle.
• Keep the 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.
• If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing
immediately.
• Do not start the engine near spilled fuel.
• Do not use gasoline as a cleaning agent.
• If leaks occur in fuel system, the engine must
not be started until problem has been resolved.
• Check the fuel level before each use and leave
space for the fuel to expand, because the heat
from the engine and the sun can otherwise
cause the fuel to expand and overfl ow.
General Maintenance
• Do not use the
machine indoors or
in spaces lacking
correct ventilation.
The exhaust
fumes contain
carbon monoxide,
an odorless and
poisonous lethal gas.
• Make sure that the equipment is in good
condition and that all nuts and bolts, especially
those fastening the blade attachments, are
correctly tightened and torqued.
CAUTION! Use protective glasses
for maintenance work.
• Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels
as necessary.
• Do not interfere with the intended operation
of or reduce the protection given by a safety
device. Check their operation regularly. DO
NOT operate a machine with a safety device
that does not operate correctly.
• Check grass catcher components and the
discharge guard frequently and replace with
manufacturer's recommended parts when
necessary.
WARNING! The engine must not
be started when the driver's fl oor plate or
protective plates for the mower deck's drive
belt is removed.
• Do not change the settings of engine controllers
and avoid running the engine at overly high
engine speeds. If you run the engine too fast,
machine components could be damaged.
• To reduce the risk of fi re, keep machine free of
grass, leaves or other debris buildup. Clean oil
or fuel spills and remove fuel-soaked debris. Let
machine cool before storing.
• Stop to do an inspection of the equipment if you
run over or into anything. If necessary, make
repairs before starting.
• Do not make adjustments or repairs with the
engine running.
• The blades are sharp and can cause cuts and
gashes. Wrap blades or use protective gloves
when handling them.
• Check the park brake's operation regularly.
Adjust and service as necessary.
• Do not work with the starter circuit if there is
spilled fuel.
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