Operation
Before Starting
Recommended Fuel
DANGER
Gasoline is extremely flammable and explosive. A fire or explosion from gasoline can burn you and others.
•To prevent a static charge from igniting the gasoline, place the container and/or mower directly on the ground before filling, not in a vehicle or on an object.
•Fill the tank outdoors when the engine is cold. Wipe up spills.
•Do not handle gasoline when smoking or around an open flame or sparks.
•Store gasoline in an approved fuel container, out of the reach of children.
•For best results, use only clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher ((R+M)/2 rating method).
•Oxygenated fuel with up to 10% ethanol or 15% MTBE by volume is acceptable.
•Do not use ethanol blends of gasoline, such as E15 or E85, with more than 10% ethanol by volume. Performance problems and/or engine damage may result, which may not be covered under warranty.
•Do not use gasoline containing methanol.
•Do not store fuel either in the fuel tank or in fuel containers over the winter unless fuel stabilizer has been added to the fuel.
•Do not add oil to gasoline.
Using Fuel
Stabilizer/Conditioner
Use a fuel stabilizer/conditioner in the machine to provide the following benefits:
•It keeps gasoline fresh during storage up to 90 days. When storing the machine for more than 90 days, drain the fuel tank.
•It cleans the engine while it is running.
•It eliminates
Add the correct amount of fuel stabilizer/conditioner to the gasoline as recommended on the product label.
Note: A fuel stabilizer/conditioner is most effective when it is mixed with fresh gasoline. To prevent varnish deposits in the fuel system, use a fuel stabilizer/conditioner at all times.
Filling the Fuel Tank
1.Clean around the fuel tank cap, and remove the cap from the tank (Figure 11).
Figure 11
2.Fill the fuel tank, leaving at least 1/4 inch (6 mm) from the bottom of the neck empty to allow the gasoline room to expand (Figure 11).
3.Install the fuel tank cap and tighten it securely by hand.
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