Operation
Note:
Determine the left and right sides of the
machine from the normal operating position.
Before Operation
Before Operation Safety
General Safety
•
Never allow children or untrained people to
operate or service the machine. Local regulations
may restrict the age of the operator. The owner
is responsible for training all operators and
mechanics.
•
Become familiar with the safe operation of the
equipment, operator controls, and safety signs.
•
Know how to stop the machine and shut off the
engine quickly.
•
Check that operator-presence controls, safety
switches, and shields are attached and functioning
properly. Do not operate the machine unless they
are functioning properly.
•
Before mowing, always inspect the machine to
ensure that the cutting units are in good working
condition.
•
Inspect the area where you will use the machine
and remove all objects that the machine could
throw.
Fuel Safety
•
Use extreme care in handling fuel. It is flammable
and its vapors are explosive.
•
Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other
sources of ignition.
•
Use only an approved fuel container.
•
Do not remove the fuel cap or fill the fuel tank
while the engine is running or hot.
•
Do not add or drain fuel in an enclosed space.
•
Do not store the machine or fuel container where
there is an open flame, spark, or pilot light, such
as on a water heater or other appliance.
•
If you spill fuel, do not attempt to start the engine;
avoid creating any source of ignition until the fuel
vapors have dissipated.
Fuel Specification
Fuel tank capacity:
26.6 L (7 US gallons)
Recommended Fuel:
Unleaded gasoline with an
octane rating of 87 or higher ((R+M)/2 rating method)
Ethanol
: Gasoline with up to 10% ethanol (gasohol)
or 15% MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether) by volume
is acceptable. Ethanol and MTBE are not the same.
Gasoline with 15% ethanol (E15) by volume is not
approved for use.
•
Never use gasoline that contains more than
10% ethanol by volume
, such as E15 (contains
15% ethanol), E20 (contains 20% ethanol), or E85
(contains up to 85% ethanol).
•
Do not
use fuel that contains methanol.
•
Do not
store fuel either in the fuel tank or fuel
containers over the winter, unless you use a fuel
stabilizer.
•
Do not
add oil to gasoline.
•
For best results, use only clean, fresh (less than
30 days old) fuel.
•
Using unapproved gasoline may cause
performance problems and/or engine damage,
which may not be covered under the warranty.
Important:
Do not use fuel additives other than
a fuel stabilizer/conditioner. Do not use fuel
stabilizers with an alcohol base such as ethanol,
methanol, or isopropanol.
Filling the Fuel Tank
1.
Clean around the fuel-tank cap and remove it
(
or
g227928
Figure 21
Machines with a fuel tank sight gauge.
1.
Fuel tank sight gauge
2.
Fuel-tank cap
19
