SAFETY
WARNING
Gasoline and its vapors are extremely flammable and explosive.
Fire or explosion can cause severe burns or death.
WHEN ADDING FUEL
•Turn engine OFF and let engine cool at least 2 minutes before removing gas cap.
•Fill fuel tank outdoors or in
•Do not overfill fuel tank. Fill tank to approximately
•Keep gasoline away from sparks, open flames, pilot lights, heat, and other ignition sources.
•Check fuel lines, tank, cap, and fittings frequently for cracks or leaks. Replace if necessary.
WHEN STARTING ENGINE
•Make sure spark plug, muffler, fuel cap and air cleaner are in place.
•Do not crank engine with spark plug removed.
•If fuel spills, wait until it evaporates before starting engine.
•If engine floods, set choke to OPEN/RUN position, place throttle in FAST and crank until engine starts.
WHEN OPERATING EQUIPMENT
•Do not tip engine or equipment at angle which causes gasoline to spill.
•Do not choke carburetor to stop engine.
WHEN TRANSPORTING EQUIPMENT
•Transport with fuel tank EMPTY or with fuel
WHEN STORING GASOLINE OR EQUIPMENT WITH FUEL IN TANK
•Store away from furnaces, stoves, water heaters or other appliances that have pilot light or other ignition source because they can ignite gasoline vapors.
WARNING
Starting engine creates sparking.
Sparking can ignite nearby flammable gases.
Explosion and fire could result.
•If there is natural or LP gas leakage in area, do not start engine.
•Do not use pressurized starting fluids because vapors are flammable.
WARNING
Rapid retraction of starter cord (kickback) will pull hand and arm toward engine faster than you can let go.
Broken bones, fractures, bruises or sprains could result.
•When starting engine, pull cord slowly until resistance is felt, then pull rapidly.
•Remove all external equipment/engine loads before starting engine.
•Direct coupled equipment components such as, but not limited to, blades, impellors, pulleys, sprockets, etc., must be securely attached.
WARNING
•ALWAYS disconnect spark plug,
•DO NOT attempt any maintenance or repairs to the
•NEVER assume starter is
•BEFORE removing grass or other debris from under mower deck; BEFORE changing oil, air filter or spark plug; BEFORE removing blade for servicing; BEFORE performing any other service to engine or mower; BEFORE transporting mower – ALWAYS
•ALWAYS lock and remove safety key and store in safe place until next use. The safety key is designed and intended to be removed from engine when not in use. Removing key will prevent unsupervised or unexpected starting of mower by children or unsuspecting adults. The safety key must be in locked position before it can be removed.
WARNING
Engines give off carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless, poison gas.
Breathing carbon monoxide can cause nausea, fainting or death.
•Start and run engine outdoors.
•Do not start or run engine in enclosed area, even if doors or windows are open.
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