• Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or trailer
and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, refuel
such equipment with a portable container, rather than from
a gasoline dispenser nozzle.
• 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.
• If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately.
• Do not start the engine near spilled fuel.
• Never use gasoline as a cleaning agent.
• If leaks arise in fuel system, the engine must not be started
until problem has been resolved.
• Check the fuel level before each use and leave space for
the fuel to expand, as the heat from the engine and the sun
may otherwise cause the fuel to expand and overflow.
General Maintenance
• Never use the machine
indoors or in spaces lacking
proper ventilation. The
exhaust fumes contain
carbon monoxide, an
odorless and poisonous
lethal gas.
• Make sure that the
equipment is in good condition and that all nuts and bolts,
especially those fastening the blade attachments, are
properly tightened and torqued.
• Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels as
necessary.
• Never interfere with the intended function of a safety device
or reduce the protection provided by a safety device.
Check their proper operation regularly. NEVER operate
a machine with a safety device that does not function
properly.
WARNING! The engine must not be started when
the driver’s floor plate or any protective plate for the mower
deck’s drive belt is removed.
WARNING! The battery contains lead and lead
compounds, chemicals that are considered to cause
cancer, birth defects, and other reproductive system
damage. Wash your hands after handling the battery.
• Check the park brake’s functionality regularly. Adjust and
service as necessary.
• The mulch blades should only be used in familiar areas
when higher quality mowing is desired.
• Regularly clean deck and underside of deck, avoid
spraying engine and electrical components with water.
• Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running.
• The blades are sharp and can cause cuts and gashes.
Wrap the blades or use protective gloves when handling
them.
• Never work with the starter circuit if there is spilled fuel.
• Ensure that the fuel filler cap is mounted tightly and no
flammable substances are stored in an open vessel.
• Sparking can occur when working with the battery and the
heavy cables of the starter circuit. This can cause battery
explosion, fire or eye injury. Sparking will not occur after the
grounding cable (normally
negative, black) is removed
from the battery.
• Disconnect the grounding
cable from the battery first
and reconnect it last.
• Do not make a bridge short
circuit across the starter
relay to run the starter.
• Be very careful when handling battery acid. Acid on skin
can cause serious corrosive burns. If you spill battery acid
on your skin, rinse immediately with water.
• Acid in the eyes can cause blindness, contact a doctor
immediately.
• Be careful when servicing the battery. Explosive gases
form in the battery. Never
perform maintenance on the
battery when smoking or
near open flames or sparks.
The battery can explode
and cause serious injury or
damage.
• The machine is tested
and approved only with
the equipment originally
provided or recommended by the manufacturer. Only use
approved repair parts for the machine.
CAUTION! Use protective glasses for
maintenance work.
• Check grass catcher components and the discharge guard
frequently and replace with manufacturer’s recommended
parts when necessary.
• Do not change the settings of governors and avoid running
the engine with overly high engine speeds. If you run the
engine too fast, machine components could be damaged.
• To reduce the risk of fire, keep machine free of grass,
leaves or other debris buildup. Clean oil or fuel spills and
remove any fuel-soaked debris. Allow machine to cool
before storing.
• Stop to inspect the equipment if you run over or into
anything. If necessary, make repairs before starting.
9
SAFETY