10 Rev. 10-08
gases contain carbon monoxide, an odor-
less and deadly poison.
MAINTENANCE SAFETY
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Always perform maintenance with the ma-
chine parked on a hard level surface; with the
engine stopped and the PTO disengaged;
with the park brake set; and with the key re-
moved from the ignition.
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Always remove the grounded (-) clamp
from the battery when performing mainte-
nance on the engine, clutch, or any other
electrical system. To access the battery, re-
move the left fender.
n Always wear close fitting clothing and safety
equipment appropriate for the job. Keep
work area clean and dry.
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n Never work under the machine without jack
stands or other equivalent safety blocks. Do
NOT rely solely on mechanical or hydraulic
jacks or lifts for support. Always use ad-
equate wheel chocks on tires remaining on
the ground.
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n Hydraulic hoses can fail due to physical dam-
age, kinks, age, and exposure. Check hoses
regularly. Replace damaged hoses.
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n Escaping fluid under pressure can penetrate
the skin causing serious injury. Avoid the
hazard by relieving pressure before discon-
necting hydraulic or other lines. Tighten all
connections before applying pressure. If an
accident occurs, see a doctor immediately.
Any fluid injected into the skin must be surgi-
cally removed within a few hours or gangrene
may result.
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n Search for leaks with a piece of cardboard.
Protect hands and body from high pressure
fluids.
n If it is necessary to run an engine in an en-
closed area, remove the exhaust fumes from
the area with an exhaust pipe extension. If an
exhaust pipe extension is not available, work
near open doors and get outside air into the
area.
n Waste products such as used oil, fuel, cool-
ant, and batteries can harm the environment
and people. Dispose of waste products
properly.
n Never attempt to disconnect or alter any part
of the safety interlock systems.
n Do not change engine governor settings.
n Keep engine free of grass, leaves, or excess
grease to reduce fire hazard and minimize en-
gine overheating.
n Keep machine and mower deck in good op-
erating condition and all safety devices in
place.
n Periodically tighten all bolts, nuts and screws.
Check that all locking pins are properly in-
stalled and in good condition.
n Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and
service as required.
STORING SAFELY
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n Never store machine with fuel in the tank in-
side a building where fumes may reach an
open flame, spark or pilot light as on a fur-
nace, water heater, clothes dryer, or other
gas appliance. Allow engine to cool before
storing in an enclosure.
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n If engine is to be unused for 30 days or more,
add a fuel stabilizer to the fuel system. Fuel
stabilizer (such as STA.BIL
®
) is an accept-
able additive in minimizing the formation of
fuel gum deposits during storage. Add stabi-
lizer to fuel in fuel tank or storage container.
Always follow mix ratio found on stabilizer
container. Run engine at least 10 minutes after
adding stabilizer to allow it to reach the car-
buretor or injectors.
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n If draining fuel tank, drain fuel into an ap-
proved container outdoors and away from
open flame.
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n Always provide adequate ventilation when
running engine indoors. Exhaust gases contain
carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly
poison.
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n Remove all accumulated debris from mower
deck and tractor.
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n Sand areas where paint is chipped and re-
paint to prevent rust. Lubricate all locations
to prevent moisture damage during storage.