into reverse. The “Reverse Caution Mode” should not be used when children or others are around.
g.Keep children away from hot or running engines. They can suffer burns from a hot muffler.
h.Remove key when machine is unattended to prevent unauthorized operation.
2.Never allow children under 14 years old to operate the machine. Children 14 years old and over should read and understand the operation instructions and safety rules in this manual and should be trained and supervised by a parent.
TOWING
1.Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at the hitch point.
2.Follow the manufacturers recommendation for weight limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes.
3.Never allow children or others in or on towed equipment.
4.On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may cause loss of traction and loss of control.
5.Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.
6.Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.
SERVICE
SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE:
1.To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive. Serious personal injury can occur when gasoline is spilled on yourself or your clothes which can ignite. Wash your skin and change clothes immediately.
a.Use only an approved gasoline container.
b.Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place containers on the ground away from your vehicle before filling.
c.When practical, remove
d.Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or container opening at all times until fueling is complete. Do not use a nozzle lock- open device.
e.Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of ignition.
f.Never fuel machine indoors.
g.Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine is hot or running. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.
h.Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than ½ inch below bottom of filler neck to allow space for fuel expansion.
i.Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
j.If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and equipment. Move unit to another area. Wait 5 minutes before starting the engine.
k.To reduce fire hazards, keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris
l.Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light as on a water heater, space heater, furnace, clothes dryer or other gas appliances.
m.Allow a machine to cool at least 5 minutes before storing.
GENERAL SERVICE:
1.Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless, and deadly gas.
2.Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make certain the blade(s) and all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground against the engine to prevent unintended starting.
3.Periodically check to make sure the blades come to complete stop within approximately (5) five seconds after operating the blade disengagement control. If the blades do not stop within the this time frame, your unit should be serviced professionally by an authorized dealer.
4.Check brake operation frequently as it is subjected to wear during normal operation. Adjust and service as required.
5.Check the blade(s) and engine mounting bolts at frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also, visually inspect blade(s) for damage (e.g., excessive wear, bent, cracked).
Replace the blade(s) with the original equipment manufacturer’s (O.E.M.) blade(s) only, listed in this manual. “Use of parts which do not meet the original equipment specifications may lead to improper performance and compromise safety!”
6.Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.
7.Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
8. Never tamper with the safety interlock system or other safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.
9.After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire(s) and ground against the engine. Thoroughly inspect the machine for any damage. Repair the damage before starting and operating.
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