Operator's Manual

17
Before Operating
Note: Determine the left and right sides of the machine
from the normal operating position.
Checking the Engine Oil
The engine is shipped with 1-3/4 quarts (1.7 liters)
(w/filter) of oil in the crankcase; however, the oil level
must be checked before and after the engine is first started.
The engine uses any high-quality detergent oil having the
American Petroleum Institute (API) service classification
of SC, SD, SE, SF, or SG. The recommended viscosity
(weight) is SAE 30.
1. Position the machine on a level surface.
2. Unscrew the dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag.
Screw the dipstick into the tube and make sure it is
seated fully (Fig. 14). Unscrew the dipstick out of the
tube and check the oil level. If the oil level is low,
remove the filler cap from the valve cover and add
enough oil to raise the level to the Full mark on the
dipstick.
1
2
Figure 14
1. Dipstick 2. Filler cap
3. Pour oil into the opening in the valve cover until the oil
level is up to the Full mark on the dipstick. Add the oil
slowly and check the level often during this process. Do
not overfill.
Important Check the oil level every 8 operating hours
or daily. Initially, change the oil after the first 8 hours or
operation; thereafter, under normal conditions, change the
oil every 50 hours and the filter every 100 hours. However,
change the oil more frequently when the engine is operated
in extremely dusty or dirty conditions.
4. Install the filler cap and dipstick firmly in place.
Filling the Gas Tank
Use unleaded regular gasoline suitable for automotive use
(85 pump octane minimum). Leaded regular gasoline may
be used if unleaded regular is not available.
Important Never use methanol, gasoline containing
methanol, or gasohol containing more than 10% ethanol
because the fuel system could be damaged. Do not mix oil
with gasoline.
Danger
In certain conditions, gasoline is extremely
flammable and highly explosive. A fire or
explosion from gasoline can burn you and others
and can damage property.
• Fill the fuel tank outdoors, in an open area,
when the engine is cold. Wipe up any gasoline
that spills.
• Do not fill the fuel tank completely full. Add
gasoline to the fuel tank until the level is 1 in.
(25 mm) below the bottom of the filler neck.
This empty space in the tank allows gasoline to
expand.
• Never smoke when handling gasoline, and stay
away from an open flame or where gasoline
fumes may be ignited by a spark.
• Store gasoline in an approved container and
keep it out of the reach of children. Never buy
more than a 30-day supply of gasoline.
• Always place gasoline containers on the ground
away from your vehicle before filling.
• Do not fill gasoline containers inside a vehicle or
on a truck or trailer bed because interior
carpets or plastic truck bed liners may insulate
the container and slow the loss of any static
charge.
• When practical, remove gas-powered equipment
from the truck or trailer and refuel the
equipment with its wheels on the ground.
• If this is not possible, then refuel such
equipment on a truck or trailer from a portable
container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser
nozzle.
• If a gasoline dispenser nozzle must be used, keep
the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel
tank or container opening at all times until
fueling is complete.
1. Clean around the fuel tank cap and remove the cap
(Fig. 15). Add unleaded regular gasoline to the fuel tank
until the level is 1 in. (25 mm) below the bottom of the
filler neck. This space in the tank allows gasoline to
expand. Do not fill the fuel tank completely full.
Note: Fuel tank capacity is 7.5 gallons (28.4 liters).