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 flame, spark, or pilot light such as near a
water heater or other appliance.
6. Never fill 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 filling.
7. Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or
trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible,
then refuel such equipment on a trailer with a portable
container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser noz-
zle.
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-fill the fuel tank. Replace gas cap and
tighten securely.
11. Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels.
They are flammable 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
securely.
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 filter when the engine is hot
as spilled gasoline may ignite. Do not spread fuel line
clamps further than necessary. Ensure clamps grip
hoses firmly over the filter 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/mufflers.
15. Use only factory authorized replacement parts when
making repairs.
16. Always comply with factory specifications 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
unless you have been properly trained. Improper ser-
vice procedures can result in hazardous operation,
equipment damage and voiding of manufacturer's war-
ranty.
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, remove
the starter insert, 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,
inspect the machine for damage and make repairs
before 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:
WARNING: Hydraulic fluid escaping under pressure
may have sufficient force to penetrate skin and cause
serious injury. If foreign fluid 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 fluid under high pressure.
Use paper or cardboard, and not hands, to search for
leaks. Make sure all hydraulic fluid 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
authorized dealer.
24. WARNING: Stored energy device. Improper release of
springs can result in serious personal injury. Springs
should be removed by an authorized technician.
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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