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. Never remove the gas cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allow the engine to cool before refueling.
4. Never fuel the machine indoors.
5. Never store the machine or fuel container where there is an
open flame, spark, or pilot light such as near a water heater
or other appliance.
6. Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck bed 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. Keep 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.
9. If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately.
10. Never over-fill the fuel tank. Replace gas cap and tighten
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. Never run the unit in an enclosed area where carbon
monoxide fumes may collect.
2. Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts,
tight and keep equipment in good condition.
3. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly and make necessary repairs if they are
not functioning properly.
4. Keep unit free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-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. Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine
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. Do not use gasoline containing METHANOL, gasohol
containing more than 10% 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. Never attempt to make major repairs on this unit 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. Never place hands near the moving parts, such as a 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: Hydraulic fluid escaping under pressure 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. Keep
body and hands away from pin holes or 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: Improper release of springs can result in
serious personal injury. Springs should be removed by an
authorized technician.
25. Models equipped with an engine radiator:
WARNING: 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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