7.Remove the key when the machine is left unattended to prevent unauthorized opera- tion.
D.SERVICE
1.Use extreme care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They are extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.
a.Use only an approved con-
tainer.
b.Never remove fuel cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow the engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.
c.Replace the fuel cap securely (it will “click” when correct) and wipe off any spilled fuel before starting the engine as it may cause a fire or explosion.
d.Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of ignition.
e.Never refuel the machine indoors because fuel vapors will accumulate in the area.
f.Never store the fuel container or machine inside where there is an open flame or spark, such as a gas hot water heater, space heater or furnace.
2.Never run a machine inside a closed area.
3.To reduce fire hazard, keep the machine free of grass, leaves or other debris
4.Before cleaning, repairing or inspecting, make certain the blade and all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keep the wire away from the spark plug to pre- vent accidental starting.
5.Check the blade and engine mounting bolts at frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also visually inspect blades for damage (e.g., excessive wear, bent, cracked). Replace with blades which meet original equipment specifi- cations.
6.Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the equipment is in safe working condi- tion.
7.Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly. Use all guards as instructed in this manual.
8.After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, remove the wire from the spark plug and thor- oughly inspect the mower for any damage.
Repair the damage before restarting and operating the machine.
9.Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage and deterioration, which could
expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. For your safety protection, frequently check the components and replace with man- ufacturers recommended parts when neces- sary.
10.Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blades or wear gloves, and use extra cau- tion when servicing blades.
11.Check park brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as required.
12.Muffler, engine and belt guards become hot during operation and can cause a burn. Allow to cool down before touching.
13.Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed the engine. Excessive engine speeds are dangerous.
14.Observe proper disposal laws and regula- tions. Improper disposal of fluids and materi- als can harm the environment and the ecology.
a.Prior to disposal, contact your local Environmental Protection Agency to determine the proper method for dis- posing of the waste. Recycling cen- ters are established to properly dispose of materials in an environmen- tally safe fashion.
b.Use proper containers when draining fluids. Do not use food or beverage containers that may mislead someone into drinking from them. Properly dis- pose of the containers immediately fol- lowing the draining of fluids.
c.DO NOT pour oil or other fluids into the ground, down drain or into a stream, pond, lake or other body of water. Observe Environmental Protection Agency regulations when disposing of oil, fuel, coolant, brake fluid, filters, batteries, tires and other harmful waste.
15.We do not recommend the use of high pres- sure washers to clean your unit. They may cause damage to electrical components; spin- dles; pulleys; bearings; or the engine.
E.Related to Batteries
Batteries are stored electrical energy devices that may be serviceable with removable caps (the electro- lyte levels can be checked), or may be
Batteries may contain lead (Pb) and sulfuric acid, and they must be
6
