7Section 2 — important Safe operation practiceS
Hydraulic Devices and Systems
Hydraulic fluid escaping under pressure may have sufficient 
force to penetrate skin and cause serious injury. If foreign fluid is 
injected into the skin or eyes, see immediate medical attention or 
gangrene and permanent damage may result.
WARNING: Keep body and hands away from 
pinholes or nozzles that could inject hydraulic fluid 
under high pressure. Use paper or cardboard, not 
your hands, to search for leaks! Wear gloves and 
safety glasses.
Safely relieve all pressure in the system before performing any 
work on the system, and make sure that:
•  The ignition switch is OFF
•  The key is removed
•  The engine spark plug wire(s) removed
•  All connections to the negative terminal of the battery are 
removed
•  The park brake is set
•  All by-pass valves, if so equipped, are open
•  Hydraulic controls are actuated to release pressure on 
pumps, cylinders, etc. If “float” positions are available, they 
should be used.
After the above operations are completed, it should be safe to 
begin disconnecting the lines or components. It is still a good 
idea to cover the connection with a cloth shield and then gently 
loosen connections.
WARNING: Make sure all hydraulic fluid 
connections are tight and all hydraulic hoses and 
lines are in good condition before applying pressure 
to the system.
Service
Safe Handling of fuel
1.  To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme 
care in handling fuel. Fuel is extremely flammable and the 
vapors are explosive. Serious personal injury can occur 
when fuel is spilled on yourself or your clothes which can 
ignite. Wash your skin and change your closes immediately.
a.  Use only approved containers.
b.  Never fill containers inside a vehicle or a truck or 
trailer bed with a carpeted or plastic liner. Always 
place containers on the ground away from your 
vehicle before fueling.
c.  When practical, remove machines from the truck or 
trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, 
then refuel equipment on a trailer with a portable 
container rather than from a fuel dispenser nozzle.
d.  Keep nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank 
or container opening at all times until fueling is 
complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device. 
e.  Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other 
sources of ignition.
f.  Never fuel machine indoors or near ignition sources.
g.  Never remove fuel cap or add fuel while the engine 
is hot or running. Allow engine to cool at least two 
minutes before refueling.
h.  Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than ½ inch 
below bottom of filler neck to allow space for expansion. 
i.  If necessary, use a funnel to avoid spillage.
j.  Replace fuel cap and tighten securely.
k.  If fuel is spilled, wipe off the engine and equipment. 
Wait 5 minutes before starting the engine.
l.  To reduce fire hazards, keep machine free of grass, 
leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean up oil and fuel 
spillage and remove any fuel soaked debris.
m.  Never store the machine or fuel container inside 
where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light 
as on a water heater, space heater, furnace, clothes 
dryer or other gas appliance.
General Service
1.  Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. 
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless, 
and deadly gas.
2.  Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make certain the 
blade(s) and all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect the 
spark plug wires and remove the key from the ignition to 
prevent unintended starting. 
3.  Periodically check to make sure the blades come to 
complete stop within approximately (7) seven seconds 
after operating the blade disengagement control. If the 
blades do not stop within this time frame, your machine 
should be serviced.
4.  Never tamper with the safety interlock system or other 
safety devices.
5.  Regularly check the safety interlock system for proper 
function, as described later in this manual. If the safety 
interlock system does not function properly, have your 
machine serviced.
6.  Check brake operation frequently as it is subjected to wear 
during normal operation. Adjust and service as required.
7.  Check the blade(s) and engine mounting bolts at frequent 
intervals for proper tightness. Also, visually inspect blade(s) 
for damage (e.g., excessive wear, bent, cracked).   Replace the 
blade(s) with the original equipment manufacturer’s (O.E.M.) 
blade(s) only, listed in this manual. “Use of parts which do 
not meet the original equipment specifications may lead to 
improper performance and compromise safety!” 
8.  Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear gloves, 
and use extra caution when servicing them.
9.  Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the 
equipment is in safe working condition. 
10.  After striking a foreign object (or if abnormal vibration 
occurs), stop the blades and engine and thoroughly inspect 
the machine for any damage. Make necessary repairs 
before resuming operation.
11.  Never attempt to make adjustments or repairs to the 
machine while the engine is running.