SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
Safe Handling of Gasoline
1. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other
sources of ignition.
2. Use only approved gasoline containers.
3. Neverremovethegascaporaddfuelwiththeengine
running. Allow the engine to cool before refueling.
4. Neverfuelthemachineindoors.
5. Neverstorethemachineorfuelcontainerwherethereis
an open flame, spark, or pilot light such as near a water
heater or other appliance.
6. Neverfillcontainersinsideavehicleoronatruckbed
with a plastic bed liner. Always place containers on the
ground away from your vehicle before filling.
7. Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or
trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible,
then refuel such equipment on a trailer with a portable
container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.
8. Keepnozzleincontactwiththerimofthefueltankor
container opening at all times until fueling is complete.
Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.
9. If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately.
10.Neverover-fillthefueltank.Replacegascapandtighten
securely.
11. Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels.
They are flammable and vapors are explosive.
12. If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to start the engine but
move the machine away from the area of spillage and
avoid creating any source of ignition until fuel vapors
have dissipated.
13. Replace all fuel tank caps and fuel container caps
securely.
Service & Maintenance
1. Neverruntheunitinanenclosedareawherecarbon
monoxide fumes may collect.
2. Keepnutsandbolts,especiallybladeattachmentbolts,
tight and keep equipment in good condition.
3. Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproper
operation regularly and make necessary repairs if they
are not functioning properly.
4. Keepunitfreeofgrass,leaves,orotherdebrisbuild-up.
Clean up oil or fuel spillage. and remove any fuel-soaked
debris. Allow machine to cool before storage.
5. If you strike an object, stop and inspect the machine.
Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
6. Nevermakeadjustmentsorrepairswiththeengine
running.
7. Check grass catcher components and the discharge
guard frequently and replace with manufacturer’s
recommended parts, when necessary.
8. Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear gloves,
and use extra caution when servicing them.
9. Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as
required.
10. Maintain or replace safety and instructions labels, as
necessary.
11. Do not remove the fuel filter when the engine is hot
as spilled gasoline may ignite. Do not spread fuel line
clamps further than necessary. Ensure clamps grip
hoses firmly over the filter after installation.
12.DonotusegasolinecontainingMETHANOL,gasohol
containingmorethan10%ETHANOL,gasoline
additives, or white gas because engine/fuel system
damage could result.
13. If the fuel tank must be drained, it should be drained
outdoors.
14. Replace faulty silencers/mufflers.
15. Use only factory authorized replacement parts when
making repairs.
16. Always comply with factory specifications on all settings
and adjustments.
17. Only authorized service locations should be utilized for
major service and repair requirements.
18.Neverattempttomakemajorrepairsonthisunit
unless you have been properly trained. Improper
service procedures can result in hazardous operation,
equipment damage and voiding of manufacturer’s
warranty.
19. On multiple blade mowers, take care as rotating one
blade can cause other blades to rotate.
20. Do not change engine governor settings or over-speed
the engine. Operating the engine at excessive speed
can increase the hazard of personal injury.
21. Disengage drive attachments, stop the engine, remove
the starter insert, and disconnect the spark plug wire(s)
before: clearing attachment blockages and chutes,
performing service work, striking an object, or if the unit
vibrates abnormally. After striking an object, inspect the
machine for damage and make repairs before restarting
and operating the equipment.
22.Neverplacehandsnearthemovingparts,suchasa
hydro pump cooling fan, when the tractor is running.
(Hydro pump cooling fans are typically located on top of
the transaxle).
23. Units with hydraulic pumps, hoses, or motors:
WARNING:Hydraulicfluidescapingunderpressure
may have sufficient force to penetrate skin and cause
serious injury. If foreign fluid is injected into the skin
it must be surgically removed within a few hours by a
doctor familiar with this form of injury or gangrene may
result.Keepbodyandhandsawayfrompinholesor
nozzles that eject hydraulic fluid under high pressure.
Use paper or cardboard, and not hands, to search for
leaks. Make sure all hydraulic fluid connections are tight
and all hydraulic hoses and lines are in good condition
before applying pressure to the system. If leaks occur,
have the unit serviced immediately by your authorized
dealer.
24.WARNING:Storedenergydevice.Improperreleaseof
springs can result in serious personal injury. Springs
should be removed by an authorized technician.
25.Modelsequippedwithanengineradiator:WARNING:
Stored energy device. To prevent serious bodily injury
from hot coolant or steam blow-out, never attempt to
remove the radiator cap while the engine is running.
Stop the engine and wait until it is cool. Even then, use
extreme care when removing the cap.
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