DANGER
In certain conditions during fueling, static
electricity can be released causing a spark which
can ignite the gasoline vapors. A fire or explosion
from gasoline can burn you and others and can
damage property.
• Always place gasoline containers on the ground
away from your vehicle before filling.
• Do not fill gasoline containers inside a vehicle
or on a truck or trailer bed because interior
carpets or plastic truck bed liners may insulate
the container and slow the loss of any static
charge.
• When practical, remove gas-powered
equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel
the equipment with its wheels on the ground.
• If this is not possible, then refuel such
equipment on a truck or trailer from a portable
container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser
nozzle.
• If a gasoline dispenser nozzle must be used,
keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the
fuel tank or container opening at all times until
fueling is complete.
WARNING
Gasoline is harmful or fatal if swallowed.
Long-term exposure to vapors can cause serious
injury and illness.
• Avoid prolonged breathing of vapors.
• Keep face away from nozzle and gas tank or
conditioner opening.
• Keep gas away from eyes and skin.
Understanding the Safety Interlock
System
WARNING
If safety interlock switches are disconnected or
damaged the machine could operate unexpectedly
causing personal injury.
• Do not tamper with the interlock switches.
• Check the operation of the interlock switches
daily and replace any damaged switches before
operating the machine.
The safety interlock system is designed to prevent the
engine from starting unless:
• The blades are disengaged.
• The motion control levers are in the park position.
The safety interlock system also is designed to stop
the engine when the control levers are out of the park
position and you rise from the seat when the blades
are engaged.
Before Starting
Recommended Fuel
Use UNLEADED Regular Gasoline suitable for
automotive use (87 pump octane minimum). Leaded
regular gasoline may be used if unleaded regular is not
available.
Important: Never use methanol, gasoline
containing methanol, or gasohol containing more
than 10 percent ethanol because the fuel system
could be damaged. Do not mix oil with gasoline.
Using Stabilizer/Conditioner
Use a fuel stabilizer/conditioner in the machine to
provide the following benefits:
• Keeps gasoline fresh during storage of 30 days or
less. For longer storage it is recommended that the
fuel tank be drained.
• Cleans the engine while it runs.
• Eliminates gum-like varnish buildup in the fuel
system, which causes hard starting.
Add the correct amount of gas stabilizer/conditioner
to the gas.
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.
Gasoline/Alcohol blends
Gasohol (up to 10 percent ethyl alcohol, 90 percent
unleaded gasoline by volume) is approved for fuel use
by the engine manufacturer. Other gasoline/alcohol
blends, such as E85, are not approved.
Gasoline/Ether blends
Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) and unleaded
gasoline blends (up to a maximum of 15 percent MTBE
by volume) are approved for fuel use by the engine
manufacturer. Other gasoline/ether blends are not
approved.
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