SAFETY
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or
embankments. The machine could suddenly
roll over if a wheel is over the edge or the edge
caves in.
WARNING! Do not drive up or down hills
with slopes greater than 10 degrees. Do not
drive across slopes.
Safe Handling of Gasoline
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.
To avoid personal injury or property damage, use
much more care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is
very flammable and the vapors are explosive.
• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and
other sources of ignition.
• Use only approved gasoline containers.
• Do not remove the gas cap or add fuel with
the engine running. Let the engine cool before
refueling.
• Do not fuel the
machine indoors.
• Do not keep the
machine or fuel
container where
there is an open
flame, spark or pilot
light such as on a
water heater or other appliance.
• Before refueling, minimize the risk of static
electricity by touching a metal surface.
• Do not fill containers inside a vehicle or on a
truck or trailer bed with plastic liner. Always
place containers on the ground away from the
vehicle when filling.
• Do not overfill fuel 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 arise 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, as the heat from
the engine and the sun may otherwise cause
the fuel to expand and overflow.
General Maintenance
• Do not use the
machine indoors
or in spaces
lacking proper
ventilation. The
exhaust fumes
contain carbon
monoxide, an
odorless and poisonous lethal gas.
CAUTION! Use protective glasses
for maintenance work.
• Make sure that the equipment is in good
condition and that all nuts and bolts, especially
those fastening the blade attachments, are
properly tightened and torqued.
• Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels
as necessary.
• Do not interfere with the intended function of a
safety device or reduce the protection provided
by a safety device. Check their proper operation
regularly. NEVER operate a machine with a
safety device that does not function properly.
• 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 floor plate or
protective plates for the mower deck's drive
belt is removed.
• Do not change the settings of governors and
avoid running the engine with overly high
engine speeds. If you run the engine too fast,
machine components could be damaged.
• To reduce the risk of fire, 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.
9