Checks Before Starting

•Check that the crankcase oil is filled to full mark on dipstick (see CHECK ENGINE OIL in the Maintenance section).

•Fill the fuel tank with fresh fuel.

FUEL RECOMMENDATIONS

For daily operation: Use only unleaded gasoline with a pump sticker octane rating of 87 or higher. Gasohol (up to 10% ethyl alcohol, 90% unleaded gasoline by volume) is approved as a fuel. Methyl Teriary Butyl Ether (MTBE) and unleaded gasoline blends (up to a maximum of 15% MTBE by volume) are approved as a fuel. Do not use unapproved gasolines, such as E85. Do not mix oil in gasoline or modify the engine to run on alternate fuels. This will damage the engine components and void the engine warranty. Do not use fuel additives other than fuel stabilizer.

For storage: CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage.

To avoid engine problems always use fuel stabilizer, especially before storage of 30 days or longer. Use fresh fuel next season. See STORAGE instructions for additional information.

Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur. To add fuel:

1.Remove the fuel cap (B, Figure 2).

2.Fill the tank. Do not overfill. Leave 2 inches (5 cm) of space in the tank for fuel expansion.

3.Install and hand tighten the fuel cap.

WARNING

Never allow passengers to ride on the unit.

Before leaving the operator’s position for any reason, engage the parking brake and disengage the PTO. Never leave the unit unattended (i.e. out of sight) with the engine running.

To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine, rider and mower free of grass, leaves and excess grease. Do not stop or park rider over dry leaves, grass or combustible materials.

Gasoline is highly flammable and must be handled with care. Never fill the tank when the engine is still hot from recent operation. Do not allow open flame, smoking or matches in the area. Avoid over-filling and wipe up any spills.

Figure 2. Pre-Start Checks

A. Fuel Tank Cap

WARNING

Never operate on slopes greater than 17.6 percent (10°) which is a rise of 3-1/2 feet (106 cm) vertically in 20 feet (607 cm) horizontally.

Select slow ground speed before driving onto a slope. Use extra caution when operating on slopes with a rear-mounted grass catcher.

Mow up and down the face of slopes, not across. Use caution when changing directions and DO NOT START OR STOP ON A SLOPE.

WARNING - TRAILERS

Do not load this zero-turn rider on a trailer or truck using two separate ramps. Only use a single ramp that is at least one foot wider than the width of the rear wheels of this rider. This rider has a zero turning radius and the wheels could fall off the ramps, or the rider could tip over injuring the operator or bystanders.