Briggs & Stratton MB (18 HP) owner manual Safety Instructions, Operating

Safety Instructions

6.Do not wear loose fitting clothing that could get caught in moving parts. Do not operate this machine while wearing shorts; always wear adequate protective clothing, including long pants. Wearing safety glasses, safety shoes, and a helmet is advisable and required by some local ordinances and insurance regulations.

7.Prolonged exposure to loud noise can cause impairment or loss of hearing. Operator hear- ing protection is recommended. Wear a suitable hearing protective device, such as ear- muffs or earplugs.

8.Keep all protective shields and safety de- vices in place. If a protective shield, safety device, or decal is damaged, unusable, or miss- ing, repair or replace it before operating the machine.

9.Be sure interlock switches are functioning correctly, so the engine cannot be started un- less the Forward Speed Control lever is in the NEUTRAL-PARK position, and the PTO switch is in the DISENGAGED position. Also, the engine should stop if the operator lifts off the seat with the PTO switch in the ENGAGED position.

10.Handle gasoline with care. Gasoline is highly flammable and its vapors are explosive:

a.Use an approved fuel container.

b.Never add fuel to a running engine or hot engine (allow hot engine to cool several minutes).

c.Keep matches, cigarettes, cigars, pipes, open flames, or sparks away from the fuel tank and fuel container.

d.Always fill the fuel tank outdoors using care. Fill to about one inch from the top of the tank. Use a funnel or spout to prevent spilling.

e.Replace the machine fuel cap and container cap securely and clean up any spilled fuel before starting the engine.

11.Never attempt to make any adjustments while the engine is running, except where spe- cifically instructed to do so.

12.The electrical system battery contains sulfuric acid. Avoid any contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. Keep the battery and acid out of reach of children.

OPERATING

1.Operate the mower only in daylight or in good artificial light with good visibility of the area being mowed.

2.Sit on the seat when starting the engine and operating the machine. Keep feet on the deck footrests at all times when the tractor is moving and/or mower blades are operating.

3.For a beginning operator, learn to steer (maneuver) the tractor with a slow engine speed before attempting any mowing oper- ation. Be aware that, with the front mounted mower configuration, the back of the tractor swings to the outside during turns.

4.Remember, for an emergency stop, the forward motion of the tractor can always be stopped by pulling the Forward Speed Control (FSC) into the NEUTRAL-PARKposition.

5.In case the transmission drive belt breaks during operation, and if the machine is on a slope, the machine will freewheel down the slope. To maintain control, immediately (1) Release the steering levers and simultaneously (2) Move the FSC to the NEUTRAL-PARK position. When the machine is stopped or moving slowly, engage the parking brake.

NOTE: This is exactly the same procedure used to normally stop and park the machine.

6.Disengage the blade clutch and put the FSC in the NEUTRAL-PARKposition before starting the engine (an ignition interlock switch normally prevents starting of the machine if these controls are in the OPERATING position).

7.Do not run the engine in a confined area without adequate ventilation. Exhaust fumes are hazardous and can be deadly.

8.Do not carry passengers - maximum seating capacity is one (1) person.

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