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Fuel Specification
Petroleum
Use unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87
fuel
or higher ((R+M)/2 rating method).
Use an unleaded-gasoline blend with up to 10%
ethanol (gasohol) or 15% MTBE (methyl tertiary
butyl ether) by volume is acceptable. Ethanol and
MTBE are not the same.
Gasoline with 15% ethanol (E15) by volume is
Ethanol
not approved for use. Never use gasoline that
blended
contains more than 10% ethanol by volume, such
fuel
as E15 (contains 15% ethanol), E20 (contains
20% ethanol), or E85 (contains up to 85%
ethanol). Using unapproved gasoline may cause
performance problems and/or engine damage
which may not be covered under warranty.
Important:
For best results, use only clean, fresh
fuel (less than 30 days old).
•
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.
Using
Stabilizer/Conditioner
Use a fuel stabilizer/conditioner in the machine to
provide the following benefits:
Important:
Do not use fuel additives containing
methanol or ethanol.
Add the correct amount of fuel stabilizer/conditioner
to the gasoline.
Note:
A fuel stabilizer/conditioner is most effective
when mixed with fresh gasoline. To minimize the
chance of varnish deposits in the fuel system, use fuel
stabilizer at all times.
Filling the Fuel Tank
1.
Park the machine on a level surface and shut
off the engine.
2.
Allow the engine to cool.
3.
Clean around the fuel-tank cap and remove it
(Figure
6).
4.
Add fuel to the fuel tank until the level of fuel is
at the bottom of the filler neck.
5.
Install the fuel-tank cap securely.
6.
Wipe up any fuel that may have spilled.
Checking the Engine-Oil
Level
Before you start the engine and use the machine,
check the oil level in the engine crankcase; refer to
Checking the Engine-Oil Level (page
During Operation
During Operating Safety
General Safety
•
Wear appropriate clothing including eye protection;
hearing protection; protective gloves; long pants;
and substantial, slip-resistant footwear. Tie back
long hair and do not wear loose clothing or loose
jewelry.
•
Do not operate the machine while ill, tired, or
under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
•
The blade is sharp; contacting the blade can result
in serious personal injury. Shut off the engine,
remove the ignition key (if equiped), and wait for all
moving parts to stop before leaving the operating
position.
•
Keep bystanders, especially small children, out of
the operating area. Stop the machine if anyone
enters the area.
•
Always look down and behind you before moving
the machine in reverse.
•
Operate the machine only in good visibility and
appropriate weather conditions. Do not operate
the machine when there is the risk of lighting.
•
Wet grass or leaves can cause serious injury if
you slip and contact the blade. Avoid mowing in
wet conditions.
•
Use extreme care when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may
block your view.
•
Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other
hidden objects. Uneven terrain could cause the
machine to overturn or cause you to lose your
balance or footing.
•
If the machine strikes an object or starts to vibrate,
immediately release the blade-control clutch,
shut off the engine, remove the key, wait for all
moving parts to stop, and disconnect the wire
from the spark plug before examining the machine
for damage. Make all necessary repairs before
resuming operation.
•
Before leaving the operating position, shut off the
engine, remove the ignition key, and wait for all
moving parts to stop.
11
17).
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