SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
Safe Handling of Gasoline
1. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other
sources of ignition.
2. Use only approved gasoline containers.
3. Never remove the gas cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allow the engine to cool before refueling.
4. Never fuel the machine indoors.
5. Never store the machine or fuel container where there
is an open ame, spark, or pilot light such as near a
water heater or other appliance.
6. Never ll containers inside a vehicle or on a truck bed
with a plastic bed liner. Always place containers on
the ground away from your vehicle before lling.
7. Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or
trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possi-
ble, then refuel such equipment on a trailer with a por-
table container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser
nozzle.
8. Keep 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.
9. If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immedi-
ately.
10. Never over- ll the fuel tank. Replace gas cap and
tighten securely.
11. Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels.
They are ammable and vapors are explosive.
12. If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to start the engine but
move the machine away from the area of spillage and
avoid creating any source of ignition until fuel vapors
have dissipated.
13. Replace all fuel tank caps and fuel container caps se-
curely.
Service & Maintenance
1. Never run the unit in an enclosed area where carbon
monoxide fumes may collect.
2. Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment
bolts, tight and keep equipment in good condition.
3. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly and make necessary repairs if they
are not functioning properly.
4. Keep unit free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-
up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage. and remove any fuel-
soaked debris. Allow machine to cool before storage.
5. If you strike an object, stop and inspect the machine.
Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
6. Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine
running.
7. Check grass catcher components and the discharge
guard frequently and replace with manufacturer's rec-
ommended parts, when necessary.
8. Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear
gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.
9. Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service
as required.
10. Maintain or replace safety and instructions labels, as
necessary.
11. Do not remove the fuel lter when the engine is hot as
spilled gasoline may ignite. Do not spread fuel line
clamps further than necessary. Ensure clamps grip
hoses rmly over the lter after installation.
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12. Do not use gasoline containing METHANOL, gasohol
containing more than 10% ETHANOL, gasoline addi-
tives, or white gas because engine/fuel system dam-
age could result.
13. If the fuel tank must be drained, it should be drained
outdoors.
14. Replace faulty silencers/mu ers.
15. Use only factory authorized replacement parts when
making repairs.
16. Always comply with factory speci cations on all set-
tings and adjustments.
17. Only authorized service locations should be utilized for
major service and repair requirements.
18. Never attempt to make major repairs on this unit un-
less you have been properly trained. Improper service
procedures can result in hazardous operation, equip-
ment damage and voiding of manufacturer's warranty.
19. On multiple blade mowers, take care as rotating one
blade can cause other blades to rotate.
20. Do not change engine governor settings or over-
speed the engine. Operating the engine at excessive
speed can increase the hazard of personal injury.
21. Disengage drive attachments, stop the engine, re-
move the key, and disconnect the spark plug wire(s)
before: clearing attachment blockages and chutes,
performing service work, striking an object, or if the
unit vibrates abnormally. After striking an object, in-
spect the machine for damage and make repairs be-
fore restarting and operating the equipment.
22. Never place hands near the moving parts, such as a
hydro pump cooling fan, when the tractor is running.
(Hydro pump cooling fans are typically located on top
of the transaxle).
23. Units with hydraulic pumps, hoses, or motors: WARN-
ING: Hydraulic uid escaping under pressure may
have su cient force to penetrate skin and cause
serious injury. If foreign uid is injected into the skin
it must be surgically removed within a few hours by a
doctor familiar with this form of injury or gangrene may
result. Keep body and hands away from pin holes or
nozzles that eject hydraulic uid under high pressure.
Use paper or cardboard, and not hands, to search for
leaks. Make sure all hydraulic uid connections are
tight and all hydraulic hoses and lines are in good con-
dition before applying pressure to the system. If leaks
occur, have the unit serviced immediately by your au-
thorized dealer.
24. WARNING: Stored energy device. Improper re-
lease of springs can result in serious personal injury.
Springs should be removed by an authorized techni-
cian.
25. Models equipped with an engine radiator: WARNING:
Stored energy device. To prevent serious bodily injury
from hot coolant or steam blow-out, never attempt to
remove the radiator cap while the engine is running.
Stop the engine and wait until it is cool. Even then,
use extreme care when removing the cap.
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