Before Operation; Operation - Honda HS550E Owner's Manual

BEFORE OPERATION

Your safety is your responsibility. A little time spent in preparation will
significantly reduce your risk of injury.
Read and understand this manual. Know what the controls do and
how to operate them.
Familiarize yourself with the snowthrower and its operation before you
begin using it. Know how to shut off the snowthrower quickly in case
of an emergency.
IS YOUR SNOWTHROWER READY TO GO?
For your safety, and to maximize the service life of your equipment, it
is very important to take a few moments before you operate the
snowthrower to check its condition. Be sure to take care of any
problem you find, or have your servicing dealer correct it, before you
operate the snowthrower.
 WARNING
Improperly maintaining this snowthrower, or failing to
correct a problem before operation, could cause a
malfunction in which you could be seriously injured.
Always perform a preoperation inspection before
each operation, and correct any problem.
Before beginning your preoperation checks, be sure the snowthrower
is on a level surface and the engine switch is in the OFF position.
Check the General Condition of the Snowthrower
• Look around and underneath the snowthrower for signs of oil or
gasoline leaks.
• Check the auger housing and the discharge chute for accumulation
of packed snow or ice. Clean the auger housing and discharge
chute before starting the snowthrower.
• Look for signs of damage.
• Check each control for proper operation.
• Check auger paddles for wear. Have them replaced if necessary.
• Check the scraper blade for wear. Replace if necessary (page 10).
• Check that all nuts, bolts, and screws are tightened.
Check the Engine
• Check the oil level (page 8).
• Check the fuel level (page 8). Starting with a full tank will help to
eliminate or reduce operating interruptions for refueling.
CHECK YOUR WORK AREA
For your safety and the safety of others, always inspect the area
before operating the snowthrower.
Objects
Anything which can be picked up by the auger and thrown is a
potential hazard to you and others. Look for hazards and remove
them from the work area.
People and Pets
People and animals near the work area can move into your
snowthrower's path or into a position where they could be struck by
thrown objects. Clear the area of people, especially children and pets.
Their safety is your responsibility.
Work Area
Check the condition of the snow. Adjust your snowthrower ground
speed and snowblowing swath accordingly.
Check the scraper blade for proper adjustment. Check the scraper
blade for the correct auger ground clearance (page 10).

OPERATION

SNOWTHROWING PRECAUTIONS
Before operating the snowthrower for the first time, please review
both the SNOWTHROWER SAFETY section (page 2) and the
BEFORE OPERATION section (page 5).
Even if you have operated other snowthrowers, take time to become
familiar with how this snowthrower works, and practice in a safe area
until you build up your skills.
Never tamper with or alter any of the controls or safety devices on the
snowthrower.
For your safety, avoid starting or operating the engine in an enclosed
area such as a garage. Your snowthrower's exhaust contains
poisonous carbon monoxide gas which can collect rapidly in an
enclosed area and cause illness or death.
Exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide gas
that can build up to dangerous levels in closed areas.
Breathing carbon monoxide can cause
unconsciousness or death.
Never operate the snowthrower is a closed, or even
partly closed area where people may be present.
STARTING THE
ENGINE
1. Turn the fuel valve to the
ON [1] position.
2. If the engine is cold, pull
the choke knob out to the
CLOSED [1] position.
3. Turn the engine switch to
the ON [1] position.
ENGLISH
 WARNING
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