Assembly Instructions

PREOPERATING CHECKLIST

Before operating the mower for the first time, and as a routine before daily operations, it is important to make sure the mower is properly prepared and ready for operation. The following is a list of items to be checked. (For a mower with frequent operation, some of these items will not need to be checked every day, but the operator should be aware of the condition of each.)

For proper fuels and lubricants refer to Specifica-

tions.

FILL FUEL TANK

Fill the fuel tank using clean, fresh automotive grade unleaded gasoline (87 octane rating minimum).

DANGER

Handle gasoline with care. Gasoline is highly flammable and its vapors are ex- plosive. Use safe refueling procedures:

•DO NOT fill fuel tank with the engine run- ning.

•If the engine is hot, allow to cool before refueling.

•Use an approved fuel container.

•Fuel the mower outdoors.

•DO NOT smoke while refueling.

•Avoid spilling fuel; use a funnel or spout.

•DO NOT overfill the fuel tank; fill up to about 1 in. (25 mm) below the top of tank.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT permit dirt or other foreign matter to enter the fuel tank. Wipe dirt from around the filler cap before removing. Use a clean fuel storage container and funnel.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT mix oil with gasoline. Always use fresh, automotive grade gasoline. DO NOT use premium, white, or high-test gasoline. DO NOT use additives, such as carburetor cleaners, de- icers, or moisture removing agents. DO NOT use gasoline blended with methyl alcohol.

CHECK ENGINE CRANKCASE OIL LEVEL

Check the engine crankcase oil level before use and after each 5 hours of continuous operation. Refer to LUBRICATION for Checking Engine Crankcase Oil Level in Maintenance Instructions.

CHECK AND SERVICE ENGINE AIR CLEANER SYSTEM

•Check air restriction gauge to make sure there is no red indication showing.

•Check condition, cleanliness, and security of the complete air cleaner system (clean air filter every 100 hours). For detailed procedures, refer to CLEANING the Engine Air Cleaner System in Maintenance Instructions.

ADJUST CARBURETOR (Initial Start-up Only)

Refer to ADJUSTMENTS of Carburetor in Maintenance Instructions.

CHECK ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM

Check that the engine cooling air intake screen is free of obstruction by grass clippings or debris and clean if required. Also, cylinder head cooling fins should be inspected and cleaned if any build-up of debris is noted [remove two (2) cylinder head access panels to inspect and clean].

Check performance of the cooling system by starting the engine, holding a hand adjacent to the cylinder heads, and feeling the cooling airflow.

DANGER

Make sure to keep hands clear of exhaust pipe, muffler, and moving parts when checking airflow.

22