10. If the mower should start to
vibrate abnormally, stop the en-
gine, disconnect the spark plug
wire and prevent it from touching
the spark plug. Also, remove the
engine ignition key on electric
start model. Check immediately
for the cause. Vibration is gener-
ally a warning of trouble.
11. Never leave the mower unat-
tended when the engine is running.
Disconnect the spark plug wire
and move the wire away from the
spark plug to prevent accidental
starting. Remove the key on elec-
tric start model to prevent unau-
thorized use.
12. The mower is equipped with a
safety interlock system which pre-
vents the engine from starting or
running unless the discharge cover
or grass catcher is properly in-
stalled. Never attempt to discon-
nect or otherwise defeat this sys-
tem. If the interlock system is not
operating properly, shut off the
engine and do not use the mower
until the interlock has been
repaired.
13. When cleaning, repairing, or
inspecting, make certain the blade
and all moving parts have stopped.
Disconnect the spark plug wire
and keep the wire away from the
plug to prevent accidental starting.
Also, remove the key on the elec-
tric start model.
14. Do not run the engine in an
enclosed area. Engine exhaust
contains carbon monoxide, a
deadly gas that is odorless, color-
less, and tasteless. Always run the
engine outdoors and make sure
there is adequate ventilation.
15. Before installing or emptying
the optional grass catcher, shut en-
gine off, remove the key (electric
start model), wait until the blade
comes to a complete stop, discon-
nect spark plug wire and prevent it
from touching spark plug.
16. When using the optional grass
catcher, do not operate the mower
if the grass catcher is not securely
attached.
17. Empty the grass catcher bag
after each use. Decomposing de-
bris could generate enough heat to
catch fire.
18. Do not touch engine parts
which may be hot from operation.
Allow parts to cool completely be-
fore inspecting, cleaning, or re-
pairing the mower.
19. Mow across the face of slopes,
never up and down. Exercise
extreme caution when changing
direction on slopes. Avoid slopes
greater than 15° . Do not mow
excessively steep slopes.
MAINTENANCEAND
STORAGE
1. Check the blade and the engine
mounting bolts at frequent inter-
vals for proper tightness.
2. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws
tight to ensure that the mower is in
safe working condition.
3. To access the underside of the
mower, tip the mower rearward.
Do not tip the mower forward or
on either of its sides, unless
specifically advised to do so in
this manual.
4. When equipment is stopped for
servicing, inspection, storage, or
to empty or install the grass
catcher, disconnect the spark plug
wire and remove the key on the
electric start model. Allow the en-
gine to cool.
5. Never store the mower with
gasoline in its tank inside a build-
ing where fumes may reach an
open flame or spark. Allow the
engine to cool before storing it in
any enclosure.
6. To reduce fire hazard, keep the
engine free of grass, leaves, or ex-
cessive grease.
7. Store gasoline in a cool, well-
ventilated area, safely away from
any spark- or flame-producing
equipment. Store gasoline in an
approved container, safely out of
the reach of children.
8. Do not allow children to be
near you when you are working on
the mower.
9. Store equipment where chil-
dren will not have access to it.
Disconnect the spark plug wire
and remove the key on the electric
start model.
10. Use only original-equipment
replacement parts. Parts manufac-
tured by others could present
safety hazards even though they
may fit on this mower.
11. Maintain or replace safety and
instructional decals as necessary.
(See the mower's Parts Catalog for
location of decals and replacement
information.)
12. Remember, the end of the
mowing season is a good time to
inspect your mower and order any
replacement parts.