English-11SAFETY INSTRUCTIONSMaintenanceSafe Handling of GasolineTo avoid personal injury or property damage,use extreme care in handling gasoline.Gasoline is extremely flammable and thevapors are explosive.• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes,and other sources of ignition.• Use only approved gasoline container.• Never remove gas cap or add fuel withthe engine running. Allow engine to coolat least two (2) minutes before refueling.• Never fuel the machine indoors.• Never store the machine or fuelcontainer where there is an open flame,spark, or pilot light such as on a waterheater or other appliances.• Never fill containers inside a vehicle oron a truck or trailer bed with plastic liner.Always place containers on the groundaway from your vehicle when filling.• Before you begin refueling, minimize therisk of static electricity by touching ametal surface.• Remove gas-powered equipment fromthe truck or tailer and refuel it on theground. If this is not possible, then refuelsuch equipment with a portablecontainer, rather than from a gasolinedispenser nozzle.• Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim ofthe fuel tank or container opening at alltimes until fueling is complete. Do notuse a nozzle lock-open device.• If fuel is spilled on clothing, changeclothing immediately.• Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas capand tighten securely.• Do not start the engine near spilled fuel.• Never use gasoline as a cleaning agent.• If leaks arise in the fuel system, theengine must not be started until theproblem has been resolved.WARNING!The engine must not be started when the driver’s floor plate or any protective platefor the mower deck’s drive belt is removed.8011-516Never fill the fuel tank indoorsWARNING!The engine and the exhaustsystem, become very hot duringoperation.Risk for burns if touched.Allow engine and exhaustsystem to cool at least two (2)minutes before refueling