SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.
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 refu- eling.
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.
Maintenance and Storage
1.Always observe safe refueling and fuel handling practices when refueling the unit after transportation or storage.
2.Always follow the engine manual instructions for stor- age preparations before storing the unit for both short and long term periods.
3.Always follow the engine manual instructions for proper start-up procedures when returning the unit to service.
4.Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an open flame, such as in a water heater. Allow unit to cool before storing.
5.Shut off fuel while storing or transporting. Do not store fuel near flames or drain indoors.
6.Keep all hardware, especially blade attachment bolts, tight and keep all parts in good working condition. Replace all worn or damaged decals.
7.Never tamper with safety devices. Check their prop- er operation regularly.
8.Disengage drives, lower implement, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key or disconnect spark plug wire. Wait for all movement to stop before adjusting, cleaning or repairing.
9.Clean grass and debris from cutting units, drives, mufflers, and engine to prevent fires. Clean up oil or fuel spillage.
10.Let engine cool before storing and do not store near flame.
11.Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
12.Park machine on level ground. Never allow untrained personnel to service machine.
13.Use jack stands to support components when required.
14.Carefully release pressure from components with stored energy.
15.Disconnect battery or remove spark plug wire before making any repairs. Disconnect the negative termi- nal first and the positive last. Reconnect positive first and negative last.
16.Use care when checking blades. Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and use caution when servicing them. Only replace blades. Never straighten or weld them.
17.Keep hands and feet away from moving parts. If possible, do not make adjustments with the engine running.
18.Charge batteries in an open well ventilated area, away from spark and flames. Unplug charger before connecting or disconnecting from battery. Wear pro- tective clothes and use insulated tools.
19.Grass catcher components are subject to wear, dam- age, and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and replace with manufacturer’s recommended parts, when necessary.
20.Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as required.
21.Use only factory authorized replacement parts when making repairs.
22.Always comply with factory specifications on all set- tings and adjustments.
23.Only authorized service locations should be utilized for major service and repair requirements.
24.Never attempt to make major repairs on this unit unless you have been properly trained. Improper service procedures can result in hazardous opera- tion, equipment damage and voiding of manufactur- er’s warranty.
25.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 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.
26.WARNING: Stored energy device. Improper release of springs can result in serious personal injury. Springs should be removed by an authorized techni- cian.
27.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.
