Assembly Instructions22PREOPERATING CHECKLISTBefore operating the mower for the first time, and asa routine before daily operations, it is important tomake sure the mower is properly prepared and readyfor operation. The following is a list of items to bechecked. (For a mower with frequent operation,some of these items will not need to be checked everyday, but the operator should be aware of the conditionof each.)For proper fuel and lubricants refer to Specifications.FILL FUEL TANKRaise the mower body and locate the fuel tank on topof the engine.Fill the fuel tank using clean, fresh, automotive gradeunleaded gasoline (87 octane rating minimum).IMPORTANT: DO NOT permit dirt or other foreignmatter to enter the fuel tank. Wipe dirt from aroundthe filler cap before removing. Use a clean fuel stor-age container and funnel.IMPORTANT: DO NOT mix oil with gasoline.Always use fresh, automotive grade unleaded gas-oline. DO NOT use premium, white, or high-testgasoline. DO NOT use additives, such as carburetorcleaners, deicers, or moisture removing agents. DONOT use gasoline blended with methyl alcohol.CHECK ENGINE CRANKCASE OIL LEVELCheck the engine crankcase oil level before use andafter each 5 hours of continuous operation. Referto LUBRICATION for Checking Engine CrankcaseOil Level in Maintenance Instructions.CHECK AND SERVICE ENGINE AIR CLEAN-ER SYSTEM• Check air restriction gauge to make sure there isno red indication showing.• Check condition, cleanliness, and security of thecomplete air filter element (clean air filter every100 hours). For detailed procedures, refer toCLEANING the Engine Air Cleaner System inMaintenance Instructions.CHECK ENGINE COOLING SYSTEMCheck that the engine cooling air intake screen is freeof obstruction by grass clippings or debris and cleanif required. Also, cylinder head cooling fins should beinspected and cleaned if any build-up of debris isnoted (remove cylinder head shroud to clean).Check performance of the cooling system by startingthe engine, holding a hand adjacent to the cylinderhead, and feeling the cooling airflow.CHECK GEAR AXLE OIL LEVEL (if equipped)Refer to Gear Axle Lubrication in MaintenanceInstructions.DANGERHandle gasoline with care. Gasoline is high-ly flammable and its vapors are explosive.Use safe refueling procedures:• DO NOT fill fuel tank with the engine run-ning.• If the engine is hot, allow to cool beforerefueling.• Use an approved fuel container.• Fuel the mower outdoors.• DO NOT smoke while refueling.• Avoid spilling fuel; use a funnel or spout.• DO NOT overfill the fuel tank; fill up toabout 1 in. (25 mm) below the top of tank.DANGERMake sure to keep hands clear of exhaustpipe, muffler, and moving parts whenchecking airflow.