To reduce the risk of fire, machines should be free of any debris, such as dry grass and leaves. Operators should clean the machine after each use and before storing indoors.
Warning: Avoid Fires, Property Damage, and Personal Burn Injury
- Read, understand, and follow the operator’s manual.
- Most mowers are designed to cut normal residential grass of a height no more than 10” (25cm). Operators should not attempt to mow through unusually tall, dry grass (e.g. a pasture) or piles of dry leaves.
- Keep small children away from hot or running engines. They are unaware of the dangers and can suffer burns from the engine and muffler.
Safe Handling of Gasoline
To avoid personal injury or property damage, operators should use extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable, and the vapors are explosive. Serious personal injury and/or ignition can occur when gasoline is spilled.
- When adding fuel, turn engine OFF and let engine cool at least 5 minutes before removing the fuel cap.
- Fill fuel tank outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
- Use only an approved fuel container.
- Do not overfill the fuel tank. Fill tank to full as indicated by the fuel level indicator to allow space for fuel expansion. On some models, a fuel level indicator may NOT be present. In this instance, fill the tank no more than 1/2 inch below the bottom of the filler neck to allow space for fuel expansion.
- If fuel is spilled, wipe it off the engine and the equipment. Move equipment to another area and wait five minutes before starting the engine. Wash skin and change clothes immediately if spilled on.
- To reduce fire hazards, keep the engine and equipment free of grass, leaves, or other debris buildup. Clean oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuel-soaked debris immediately.
- Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources of ignition around equipment.
- When starting the engine, make sure spark plug, spark plug wire, and fuel cap are in place and securely fastened.
Proper Maintenance & Storage
- Keep the engine and equipment in safe working condition.
- Allow the engine to cool at least 5 minutes before storing equipment.
- Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.
- Remove any accumulated debris from the engine cylinder and muffler areas. Clean after each use.
- Keep fuel and equipment stored away from sparks, open flames, pilot lights, heat, and other ignition sources.
- Always refer to the operator’s manual for important details if the equipment is to be stored for an extended period of time.
- If the fuel tank has to be drained, do it outdoors.
- Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for fuel, oil, etc. to protect the environment.
- Allow the machine to cool at least 5 minutes before refueling and before storing inside an enclosed garage or storage shed.