Operation
Before Operation
Note: Determine the left and right sides of the machine
from the normal operating position.
Before Operation Safety
General Safety
•
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 blade, blade
bolts, and cutting assembly are not worn or damaged.
•
Inspect the area where you will use the machine and
remove all objects that the machine could throw.
Fuel Safety
DANGER
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.
• Store fuel in an approved container and keep it
out of the reach of children.
WARNING
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.
Recommended Fuel
•
For best results, use only clean, fresh (less than 30 days
old), unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or
higher ((R+M)/2 rating method).
•
Ethanol: Gasoline with up to 10% ethanol (gasohol)
or 15% MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether) by volume
is acceptable. Ethanol and MTBE are not the same.
Gasoline with 15% ethanol (E15) by volume is not
approved for use. Never use gasoline that contains
more than 10% ethanol by volume, such as E15
(contains 15% ethanol), E20 (contains 20% ethanol), or
E85 (contains up to 85% ethanol ). Using unapproved
gasoline may cause performance problems and/or engine
damage which may not be covered under warranty.
•
Do not use gasoline containing methanol.
•
Do not store fuel either in the fuel tank or fuel containers
over the winter unless you use a fuel stabilizer.
•
Do not add oil to gasoline.
Using Stabilizer/Conditioner
Use a fuel stabilizer/conditioner in the machine to provide
the following benefits:
•
Keeps gasoline fresh during storage of 90 days or less.
For longer storage it is recommended that the fuel tank
be drained.
•
Cleans the engine while it runs
•
Eliminates gum-like varnish buildup in the fuel system,
which causes hard starting
Important: Do not use fuel additives containing
methanol or ethanol.
Add the correct amount of fuel stabilizer/conditioner
to the gasoline.
Note: A fuel stabilizer/conditioner is most effective
when mixed with fresh gasoline. To minimize the chance
of varnish deposits in the fuel system, use fuel stabilizer
at all times.
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