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Operation
Note:
Determine the left and right sides of the
machine from the normal operating position.
Before Operation
Before Operation Safety
General Safety
•
For electric-start models only: Use extension
cords and receptacles as specified in the manual.
Inspect the electrical cord before plugging it into
a power source. If the cord is damaged, replace
it. Unplug the power cord whenever you are not
starting the machine.
•
Wear appropriate clothing, including eye
protection; long pants; substantial, slip-resistant
footwear; and hearing protection. Tie back long
hair, secure loose clothing, and do not wear loose
jewelry.
•
Thoroughly inspect the area where you will use the
machine, and remove all doormats, sleds, boards,
wires, and other foreign objects.
•
If a shield, safety device, or decal is damaged,
illegible, or missing, repair or replace it before
beginning operation. Also, tighten any loose
fasteners.
•
Two-stage models only: Adjust the collector
housing height to clear a gravel or crushed-rock
surface.
Fuel Safety
Fuel is extremely flammable and explosive. A fire or
explosion from fuel can burn you and others.
•
To prevent a static charge from igniting the fuel,
place the container and/or machine on the ground
before filling, not in a vehicle or on an object.
•
Fill the fuel tank outdoors when the engine is cold.
Replace the fuel cap securely and wipe up spills.
•
Do not handle fuel when smoking or around an
open flame or sparks.
•
Store fuel in an approved fuel container, out of the
reach of children.
•
When fuel is in the tank, tip the machine only as
directed in the instructions.
•
If you spill fuel on your clothing, change your
clothing immediately.
Filling the Fuel Tank
•
For best results, use only clean, fresh (less than
30 days old), unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating of 87 or higher ((R+M)/2 rating method).
•
Oxygenated fuel with up to 10% ethanol or 15%
MTBE by volume is acceptable.
•
Do not use ethanol blends of gasoline (such
as E15 or E85) with more than 10% ethanol by
volume. Performance problems and/or engine
damage may result which may not be covered
under warranty.
•
Do not use gasoline containing methanol.
•
Do not store fuel either in the fuel tank or fuel
containers over the winter unless you use a fuel
stabilizer.
•
Do not add oil to gasoline.
Do not fill above the bottom of the fuel tank neck
(Figure
10).
Important:
For best results, purchase only the
quantity of fuel that you expect to use in 30 days.
Otherwise, you may use fuel stabilizer/conditioner
in the machine at all times to keep the fuel fresh
longer when used as directed by the fuel-stabilizer
manufacturer.
9
Figure 10
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