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Assembly Instructions
22
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 fuel and lubricants refer to Specifications.
FILL FUEL TANK
Raise the mower body and locate the fuel tank on top
of the engine.
Fill the fuel tank using clean, fresh, automotive grade
unleaded gasoline (87 octane rating minimum).
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 stor-
age container and funnel.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT mix oil with gasoline.
Always use fresh, automotive grade unleaded gas-
oline. DO NOT use premium, white, or high-test
gasoline. DO NOT use additives, such as carburetor
cleaners, deicers, 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 CLEAN-
ER SYSTEM
• Check air restriction gauge to make sure there is
no red indication showing.
• Check condition, cleanliness, and security of the
complete air filter element (clean air filter every
100 hours). For detailed procedures, refer to
CLEANING the Engine Air Cleaner System 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 cylinder head shroud to clean).
Check performance of the cooling system by starting
the engine, holding a hand adjacent to the cylinder
head, and feeling the cooling airflow.
CHECK GEAR AXLE OIL LEVEL (if equipped)
Refer to Gear Axle Lubrication in Maintenance
Instructions.
DANGER
Handle gasoline with care. Gasoline is high-
ly flammable and its vapors are explosive.
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.
DANGER
Make sure to keep hands clear of exhaust
pipe, muffler, and moving parts when
checking airflow.