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Operation
Before Operation
Before Operation Safety
General Safety
•
Never allow children or untrained people to operate
the machine. Local regulations may restrict the
age of the operator. The owner is responsible for
training all operators and mechanics.
•
Become familiar with the safe operation of the
equipment, operator controls, and safety signs.
•
Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait
for all moving parts to stop before leaving the
operator's position. Allow the machine to cool
before servicing, adjusting, fueling, cleaning, or
storing it.
•
Know how to stop the machine and shut off the
engine quickly.
•
Check that operator-presence controls, safety
switches, and guards are attached and functioning
properly. Do not operate the machine unless they
are functioning properly.
•
Before mowing, always inspect the machine to
ensure that the blades, blade bolts, and cutting
assemblies are in good working condition.
•
Inspect the area where you will use the machine
and remove all objects that the machine could
throw.
•
Evaluate the terrain to determine the appropriate
equipment and any attachments or accessories
required to operate the machine properly and
safely.
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.
•
Do not store the machine or fuel container where
there is an open flame, spark, or pilot light, such
as on a water heater or on other appliances.
•
Do not fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck
or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place
containers on the ground, away from your vehicle
before filling.
•
Remove the equipment from the truck or trailer
and refuel it while it is on the ground. If this is not
possible, then refuel from a portable container
rather than a fuel-dispenser nozzle.
•
Do not operate the machine without the entire
exhaust system in place and in proper working
condition.
•
Keep the fuel-dispenser 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 you spill fuel on your clothing, change your
clothing immediately. Wipe up any fuel that spills.
•
Never overfill the fuel tank. Replace the fuel cap
and tighten it securely.
Adding Fuel
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
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