saFeTy13Safe Handling of GasolineTo avoid personal injury or property damage, useextreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline isextremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other•sources of ignition.Use only approved gasoline container.•Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine•running. Allow engine to cool at least two (2)minutes before refueling.Never fuel the machine indoors.•Never store the machine or fuel container where•there is an open flame, spark, or pilot light suchas on a water heater or other appliance.Before beginning to refuel, minimize the risk of•static electricity by touching a metal surface.Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck•or trailer bed with plastic liner. Always placecontainers on the ground away from the vehiclewhen filling.Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck•or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is notpossible, refuel such equipment with a portablecontainer, rather than from a gasoline dispensernozzle.Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel•tank or container opening at all times until fuelingis complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-opendevice.If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing•immediately.Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas cap and•tighten securely.Do not start the engine near spilled fuel.•Never use gasoline as a cleaning agent.•If leaks arise in fuel system, engine must not be•started until problem has been resolved.Check the fuel level before each use and leave•space for the fuel to expand, as the heat from theengine and the sun may otherwise cause the fuelto expand and overflow.8011-516Never fill the fuel tank indoorsWARNING!The engine must not be started when the driver’s floor plate or any protective plate for themower deck’s drive belt is removed.WARNING!The engine and the exhaust systembecome very hot during operation.There is risk for burns if touched.Allow engine and exhaust system tocool at least two (2) minutes beforerefueling.