Operation
Before Operation
Before Operation Safety
General Safety
•
Shut off the engine, remove the key (if equipped),
and wait for all movement to stop before you leave
the operator's position. 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 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.
•
Replace a faulty muffler.
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.
– Add or drain fuel to the fuel tank outdoors, in
an open area, when the engine is cold. Wipe
up any fuel that spills.
– 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.
– Replace the cap on the fuel tank and all fuel
containers securely.
•
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.
Fuel Specification
Type
Minimum octane rating
Ethanol
Methanol
MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl
ether)
Oil
Use only clean, fresh (no more than 30 days old), fuel
from a reputable source.
Important:
To reduce starting problems, add fuel
stabilizer/conditioner to fresh fuel as directed by
the fuel-stabilizer/conditioner manufacturer.
Filling the Fuel Tank
Note:
Refer to your engine owner's manual for
additional information.
1.
Clean around the fuel-tank cap and remove the
cap from the tank.
2.
Fill the fuel tank with the specified fuel as shown
in
Figure
20.
11
Unleaded gasoline
87 (US) or 91 (research
octane; outside the US)
No more than 10% by volume
None
Less than 15% by volume
Do not add to the fuel