Poulan PR120N20S Owner Manual - Page 3

STORAGE 3 POSITION HANDLES When setting up your handle from the storage position, the lower handle will require manually locking into the mowing position. 3 POSITION "EZ" Bolt Knob NOTE: Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable alternative in minimizing the formation of fuel gum deposits during storage. Add stabilizer to gasoline in fuel tank or storage container. Always follow the mix ratio found on stabilizer container. Run engine at least 10 minutes after adding stabilizer to allow the stabilizer to reach the carburetor. Do not drain the gas tank and carburetor if using fuel stabilizer. Handle bracket ENGINE OIL Drain oil (with engine warm) and replace with clean oil. (See "ENGINE" in the Maintenance section of this manual). NOTE (B&S W26 engines with Synthetic oil ONLY): An oil change is not required. 3 POSITION "QUICK" SQUEEZE Handle pin Handle adjustment bracket CYLINDER • Remove spark plug. • Pour one ounce (29 ml) of oil through spark plug hole into cylinder. • Pull starter handle slowly to distribute oil. • Replace with new spark plug. BATTERY (IF EQUIPPED) Disconnect the battery from the engine connector and charge battery 48 hours. ENGINE FUEL SYSTEM IMPORTANT: It is important to prevent gum deposits from forming in essential fuel system parts such as carburetor, fuel filter, fuel hose, or tank during storage. Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage. • Drain the fuel tank. • Start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. • Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur. • Use fresh fuel next season. OTHER • Do not store gasoline from one season to another. • Replace your gasoline can if your can starts to rust. Rust and/or dirt in your gasoline will cause problems. • If possible, store your unit indoors and cover it to protect it from dust and dirt. • Cover your unit with a suitable protective cover that does not retain moisture. Do not use plastic. Plastic cannot breathe, which allows condensation to form and will cause your unit to rust. IMPORTANT: Never cover mower while engine and exhaust areas are still warm. CAUTION: Never store the lawn mower with gasoline in the tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure. 22 SAFETY RULES • Clear the area of objects such as rocks, • When loading or unloading this ma- toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc., which chine, do not exceed the maximum could be picked up and thrown by recommended operation angle of 15°. blade. Stay behind the handle when the • Wear proper Personal Protective Equip- engine (motor) is running. ment (PPE) while operating this ma- • Be sure the area is clear of other people chine, including (at a minimum) sturdy before mowing. Stop machine if anyone footwear, eye protection, and hearing enters the area. protection. Do not mow in shorts or • Do not operate machine barefooted or open toed footwear. while wearing sandals. Always wear Always let someone know you are outside substantial footwear with good ankle mowing. support while mowing. • Do not pull mower backwards unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while moving backwards. • Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid discharging material III. SLOPE OPERATION Slopes are a major factor related to slip & fall accidents, which can result in severe injury. All slopes require extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it. against a wall or obstruction. Material DO: may richochet back toward the opera- • Mow across the face of slopes: never tor. Stop blade when crossing gravel up and down. Exercise extreme caution surfaces. when changing direction on slopes. • Do not operate the mower without • Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree proper guards, plates, grass catcher or limbs, etc. other safety protective devices in place. • Watch for holes, ruts, bumps or hidden • See manufacturer's instructions for objects. Uneven terrain could cause a proper operation and installation of slip and fall accident. Tall grass can hide accessories. Only use accessories ap- obstacles. proved by the manufacturer. • Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads. • Never leave a running machine unat- tended. • Stop the engine (motor) and wait until the blade comes to a complete stop before cleaning the machine, removing DO NOT: • Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments. You could lose your footing or balance. • Do not mow on wet grass or excessively steep slopes. Poor footing could cause a slip and fall accident. the grass catcher, or unclogging the discharge chute. IV. SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE • Mow only in daylight or good artificial To avoid personal injury or property dam- light. age, use extreme care in handling gaso- • Do not operate the machine while under line. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the influence of alcohol or drugs. the vapors are explosive. • Never operate machine in wet grass. • Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes Always be sure of your footing: keep a and other sources of ignition. firm hold on the handle; walk, never run. • Use only an approved container. • Disengage the drive system, if so • Never remove gas cap or add fuel with equipped, before starting the engine (mo- the engine running. tor). • Allow engine to cool before refueling. • If the equipment should start to vibrate • Never refuel the machine indoors. abnormally, stop the engine (motor) and • Never store the machine or fuel contain- check immediately for the cause. Vibra- er where there is an open flame, spark tion is generally a warning of trouble. or pilot light such as a water heater or • Always wear eye protection when oper- on other appliances. ating machine. • Never fill containers inside a vehicle, on • Use extra care when approaching blind a truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner. corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects Always place containers on the ground that may obscure vision. away from your vehicle before filling. 3