Briggs & Stratton MB (18 HP) Lawn Mower User Manual


 
Safety Instructions
12
6. Do not wear loose fitting clothing that could get
caught in moving parts. Do not operate this
machine while wearing shorts; always wear
adequate protective clothing, including long
pants. Wearing safety glasses, safety shoes,
and a helmet is advisable and required by some
local ordinances and insurance regulations.
7. Prolonged exposure to loud noise can cause
impairment or loss of hearing. Operator hear-
ing protection is recommended. Wear a
suitable hearing protective device, such as ear-
muffs or earplugs.
8. Keep all protective shields and safety de-
vices in place. If a protective shield, safety
device, or decal is damaged, unusable, or miss-
ing, repair or replace it before operating the
machine.
9. Be sure interlock switches are functioning
correctly, so the engine cannot be started un-
less the Forward Speed Control lever is in the
NEUTRAL-PARK position, and the PTO switch
is in the DISENGAGED position. Also, the
engine should stop if the operator lifts off the
seat with the PTO switch in the ENGAGED
position.
10. Handle gasoline with care. Gasoline is highly
flammable and its vapors are explosive:
a. Use an approved fuel container.
b. Never add fuel to a running engine or hot
engine (allow hot engine to cool several
minutes).
c. Keep matches, cigarettes, cigars, pipes,
open flames, or sparks away from the fuel
tank and fuel container.
d. Always fill the fuel tank outdoors using care.
Fill to about one inch from the top of the tank.
Use a funnel or spout to prevent spilling.
e. Replace the machine fuel cap and container
cap securely and clean up any spilled fuel
before starting the engine.
11. Never attempt to make any adjustments
while the engine is running, except where spe-
cifically instructed to do so.
12. The electrical system battery contains sulfuric
acid. Avoid any contact with skin, eyes, and
clothing. Keep the battery and acid out of reach
of children.
OPERATING
1. Operate the mower only in daylight or in good
artificial light with good visibility of the area being
mowed.
2. Sit on the seat when starting the engine and
operating the machine. Keep feet on the deck
footrests at all times when the tractor is moving
and/or mower blades are operating.
3. For a beginning operator, learn to steer
(maneuver) the tractor with a slow engine
speed before attempting any mowing oper-
ation. Be aware that, with the front mounted
mower configuration, the back of the tractor
swings to the outside during turns.
4. Remember, for an emergency stop, the forward
motion of the tractor can always be stopped by
pulling the Forward Speed Control (FSC) into
the NEUTRAL-PARK position.
5. In case the transmission drive belt breaks during
operation, and if the machine is on a slope, the
machine will freewheel down the slope. To
maintain control, immediately (1) Release the
steering levers and simultaneously (2) Move the
FSC to the NEUTRAL-PARK position. When
the machine is stopped or moving slowly,
engage the parking brake.
NOTE: This is exactly the same procedure used to
normally stop and park the machine.
6. Disengage the blade clutch and put the FSC in
the NEUTRAL-PARK position before starting
the engine (an ignition interlock switch normally
prevents starting of the machine if these controls
are in the OPERATING position).
7.
Do not run the engine in a confined area
without adequate ventilation. Exhaust fumes
are hazardous and can be deadly.
8. Do not carry passengers - maximum seating
capacity is one (1) person.