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 possi- ble, then refuel such equipment on a trailer with a portable container, rather than from a gasoline dis- penser nozzle.

8.Keep nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or container opening at all times until fueling is com- plete. 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.

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.Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels as necessary.

16.Use only fac!ory authorized replacement parts when making repairs.

17.Always comply with factory specifications on all set- tings and adjustments.

18.Only authorized service locations should be utilized for major service and repair requirements.

19.Never attempt to make major repairs on this unit unless you have been properly trained. Improper service procedures can result in hazardous operation, equipment damage and voiding of manufacturer's warranty.

20.On multiple blade mowers, take care as rotating one blade can cause other blades to rotate.

21.Do not change engine governor settings or over- speed the engine. Operating the engine at excessive speed can increase the hazard of personal injury.

22.Disengage drive attachments, stop the engine, remove 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, inspect the machine for damage and make repairs before restarting and operating the equipment.

23.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).

24.Units with hydraulic pumps, hoses, or motors: WARN-

ING: Hydraulic fluid escaping under pressure may have sufficient force to penetrate skin and cause seri- ous 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 awayfrom 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 con- nections are tight and all hydraulic hoses and lines are in good condition before applying pressure to the system. If leaks occur, have the unit serviced imme- diately by your authorized dealer.

25.WARNING: Stored energy device. Improper release of springs can result in serious personal injury.

Springs should be removed by an authorized techni- cian.

26.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.