Poulan P54ZX Owner Manual - Page 9

SAFETY Safe Handling of Gasoline To avoid personal injury or property damage, use much more care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is very flammable and the vapors are explosive. • Do not fuel the machine indoors. • Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources of ignition. • Use only approved gasoline containers. WARNING! The engine and the exhaust system become very hot during operation. There is a risk for burns if touched. Let engine and exhaust system to cool before refueling. • Do not remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. Let engine cool before refueling. • Do not keep the machine or fuel container where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light such as on a water heater or other appliance. • Before you begin refueling, minimize the risk of static electricity by touching a metal surface. • Do not fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer bed with plastic liner. Always place containers on the ground away from the vehicle when filling. • Do not overfill fuel tank. Replace gas cap and tighten securely. • Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, refuel such equipment with a portable container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle. • Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or container opening at all times until fueling is complete. Do not use a nozzle lockopen device. • If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately. • Do not start the engine near spilled fuel. • Do not use gasoline as a cleaning agent. • If leaks arise in fuel system, the 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 the engine and the sun may otherwise cause the fuel to expand and overflow. General Maintenance • Do not use the machine indoors or in spaces lacking proper ventilation. The exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, an odorless and poisonous lethal gas. • Make sure that the equipment is in good condition and that all nuts and bolts, especially those fastening the blade attachments, are properly tightened and torqued. • Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels as necessary. • Do not interfere with the intended function of a safety device or reduce the protection provided by a safety device. Check their proper operation regularly. NEVER operate a machine with a safety device that does not function properly. WARNING! The engine must not be started when the driver's floor plate or protective plates for the mower deck's drive belt is removed. • Check grass catcher components and the discharge guard frequently and replace with manufacturer's recommended parts when necessary. • Do not change the settings of governors and avoid running the engine with overly high engine speeds. If you run the engine too fast, machine components could be damaged. • To reduce the risk of fire, keep machine free of grass, leaves or other debris buildup. Clean oil or fuel spills and remove fuel-soaked debris. Let machine cool before storing. • Stop to inspect the equipment if you run over or into anything. If necessary, make repairs before starting. • Do not make adjustments or repairs with the engine running. • The blades are sharp and can cause cuts and gashes. Wrap blades or use protective gloves when handling them. • Check the park brake's functionality regularly. Adjust and service as necessary. • Do not work with the starter circuit if there is spilled fuel. • Make sure that the fuel filler cap is mounted tightly and no flammable substances are kept in an open vessel. 9