SAFETY
ommended parts, when necessary. Grass catcher com- ponents are subject to wear, damage, and deterioration which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown.
•Keep all nuts and bolts tight, especially blade attach- ment bolts, to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition.
•Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as required.
•On
Prevent Fires
•Remove grass and debris from engine compartment and muffler area, before and after operating machine, especially after mowing or mulching in dry conditions.
•Empty the grass catcher completely before storing.
•Always shut off fuel when storing or transporting ma- chine, if the machine has a fuel shutoff.
•Do not store machine near an open flame or source of ignition, such as a water heater or furnace.
•Check fuel lines, tank, cap, and fittings frequently for cracks or leaks. Replace if necessary.
Tire Safety
Explosive separation of a tire and rim parts can cause seri- ous injury or death:
•Do not attempt to mount a tire without the proper equip- ment and experience to perform the job.
•Always maintain the correct tire pressure. Do not inflate the tires above the recommended pressure. Never weld or heat a wheel and tire assembly. The heat can cause an increase in air pressure resulting in a tire explosion. Welding can structurally weaken or deform the wheel.
•When inflating tires, use a
•Check tires for low pressure, cuts, bubbles, damaged rims or missing lug bolts and nuts.
Handling Fuel Safely
To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme care in handling fuel. Fuel is extremely flam- mable and fuel vapors are explosive:
•Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources of ignition.
•Use only an approved fuel container. Use only non- metal, portable fuel containers approved by the Under- writer’s Laboratory (U.L.) or the American Society for Testing & Materials (ASTM). If using a funnel, make sure it is plastic and has no screen or filter.
•Never remove the fuel tank cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow engine to cool before refueling.
•Never add fuel to or drain fuel from the machine in- doors. Move machine outdoors and provide adequate ventilation.
•Clean up spilled fuel immediately. If fuel is spilled on
clothing, change clothing immediately. If fuel is spilled near machine, do not attempt to start the engine but move the machine away from the area of spillage. Avoid creating any source of ignition until fuel vapors have dissipated.
•Never store the machine or fuel container where there is an open flame, spark, or pilot light such as on a wa- ter heater or other appliance.
•Prevent fire and explosion caused by static electric dis- charge. Static electric discharge can ignite fuel vapors in an ungrounded fuel container.
•Never 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 fueling.
•Remove
•Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or container opening at all times until the fueling is complete. Do not use a nozzle
•Never overfill fuel tank. Replace fuel tank cap and tighten securely.
•Replace all fuel container caps securely after use.
•For gasoline engines, do not use gas with methanol. Methanol is harmful to your health and to the environ- ment.
Handling Waste Product and Chemicals
•Waste products, such as, used oil, fuel, coolant, brake fluid, and batteries, can harm the environment and people:
•Do not use beverage containers for waste fluids - someone may drink from them.
•See your local Recycling Center or authorized dealer to learn how to recycle or get rid of waste products.
•A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) provides spe- cific details on chemical products: physical and health hazards, safety procedures, and emergency response techniques. The seller of the chemical products used with your machine is responsible for providing the MSDS for that product.
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