Operation
Note:
Determine the left and right sides of the
machine from the normal operating position.
Before Operation
Before Operation Safety
General Safety
•
Always shut off the machine, remove the ignition
key (if equipped), wait for all moving parts to stop,
and allow the machine to cool before adjusting,
servicing, cleaning, or storing it.
•
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
functioning properly.
•
Always inspect the machine to ensure that the
blades and blade bolts 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.
•
Contact with the moving blade will cause serious
injury. 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/conditioner to fresh fuel as directed by
the fuel-stabilizer manufacturer.
Refer to your engine owner's manual for additional
information.
8
(Figure
Figure 9
9).
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