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Maintenance and Storage
• Never operate machine in a closed area where dangerous
carbon monoxide fumes can collect.
• Disengage drives, lower implement, lock parking brake, stop
engine and remove key or disconnect spark plug (for gas
engines). Wait for all movement to stop before adjusting,
cleaning or repairing.
• Clean grass and debris from cutting units, drives, mufflers, and
engine to help prevent fires. Clean up oil or fuel spillage.
• Let engine cool before storing and do not store near flame.
• Shut off fuel while storing or transporting. Do not store fuel
near flames or drain indoors.
• Park machine on level ground. Never allow untrained
personnel to service machine. Understand service procedure
before doing work.
• Use jack stands or lock service latches to support components
when required. Securely support any machine elements that
must be raised for service work.
• Before servicing machine or attachment, carefully release
pressure from any components with stored energy, such as
hydraulic components or springs.
• Release hydraulic pressure by lowering attachment or cutting
units to the ground or to a mechanical stop and move hydraulic
control levers back and forth.
• Disconnect battery or remove spark plug (for gas engines)
before making any repairs. Disconnect the negative terminal
first and the positive last. Reconnect positive first and negative
last.
• Use care when checking blades. Wrap the blades or wear
gloves, and use caution when servicing them. Only replace
blades. Never straighten or weld them.
• Keep hands, feet, clothing, jewelry and long hair away from
moving parts. If possible, do not make adjustments with the
engine running.
• Charge batteries in an open well-ventilated area, away from
spark and flames. Unplug charger before connecting or
disconnecting from battery.
• Wear protective clothing and use insulated tools.
• Keep all parts in good working condition and all hardware
tightened. Replace all worn or damaged decals.
• Check grass catcher components and the discharge guard
frequently and replace with manufacturer's recommended
parts, when necessary. Grass catcher components are subject
to wear, damage, and deterioration which could expose
moving parts or allow objects to be thrown.
• Keep all nuts and bolts tight, especially blade attachment bolts,
to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition.
• Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as
required.
• On multi-bladed machines, take care as rotating one blade can
cause other blades to rotate.
Prevent Fires
• Remove grass and debris from engine compartment and
muffler area, before and after operating machine, especially
after mowing or mulching in dry conditions.
• Empty the grass catcher completely before storing.
• Always shut off fuel when storing or transporting machine, if
the machine has a fuel shutoff.
• Do not store machine near an open flame or source of ignition,
such as a water heater or furnace.
• Check fuel lines, tank, cap, and fittings frequently for cracks or
leaks. Replace if necessary.
Tire Safety
Explosive separation of a tire and rim parts can cause serious injury
or death:
• Do not attempt to mount a tire without the proper equipment
and experience to perform the job.
• Always maintain the correct tire pressure. Do not inflate the
tires above the recommended pressure. Never weld or heat a
wheel and tire assembly. The heat can cause an increase in air
pressure resulting in a tire explosion. Welding can structurally
weaken or deform the wheel.
• When inflating tires, use a clip-on chuck and extension hose
long enough to allow you to stand to one side and NOT in front
of or over the tire assembly.
• Check tires for low pressure, cuts, bubbles, damaged rims or
missing lug bolts and nuts.
Handling Fuel Safely
To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme care in
handling fuel. Fuel is extremely flammable and fuel vapors are
explosive:
• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources of
ignition.
• Use only an approved fuel container. Use only non-metal,
portable fuel containers approved by the Underwriter's
Laboratory (U.L.) or the American Society for Testing &
Materials (ASTM). If using a funnel, make sure it is plastic and
has no screen or filter.
• Never remove the fuel tank cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allow engine to cool before refueling.
• Never add fuel to or drain fuel from the machine indoors. Move
machine outdoors and provide adequate ventilation.
• Clean up spilled fuel immediately. If fuel is spilled on clothing,
change clothing immediately. If fuel is spilled near machine, do
not attempt to start the engine but move the machine away
from the area of spillage. Avoid creating any source of ignition
until fuel vapors have dissipated.
• Never store the machine or fuel container where there is an
open flame, spark, or pilot light such as on a water heater or
other appliance.
• Prevent fire and explosion caused by static electric discharge.
Static electric discharge can ignite fuel vapors in an
ungrounded fuel container.
GB - 7
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