Operating instructions

Adding Oil and Gasoline

• YOU MUST ADD OIL BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE. THIS MACHINE SHIPPED WITHOUT OIL.

TRACES OF OIL MAY BE IN THE RESERVOIR FROM FACTORY TESTING, BUT YOU MUST ADD OIL

BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE. FILL THE RESERVOIR SLOWLY CHECKING THE DIPSTICK

FREQUENTLY TO AVOID OVERFILLING.

• TO GET AN ACCURATE READING WHEN CHECKING THE OIL LEVEL:

⇒ THE MACHINE SHOULD BE ON A LEVEL SURFACE.

⇒ THE DIPSTICK SHOULD BE SCREWED DOWN

ON TECUMSEH ENGINES.

Tip: To avoid confusion, we recommend leaving the caps ON the Fuel and Oil Fills until you are ready to

pour either gasoline or oil into the correct Fill.

NOTE: Use only SAE 30 high detergent oil. Other types of oil could cause problems operating your machine.

Please refer to your Engine Owner’s Manual for detailed oil information.

Approximate Engine Oil Required

Tecumseh 12.5 HP 32 oz. (.946 L)

1. Place the machine on a level surface and initially add 1/2 of the SAE 30 high detergent oil

recommended by the Engine manufacturer into the Oil Fill (

Figure 1

on page 11) and wait one minute

for the oil to settle.

2. Check the Dipstick and continue adding a few ounces of oil at a time, rechecking the Dipstick until the

oil reaches the fill mark. Be careful not to overfill.

3. Fill the Fuel Tank to not more than 1/4" from the bottom of the Fill Neck with fresh, unleaded gas.

The Fuel Tank contains 2-1/2 gallons. See the Engine Owner’s Manual for more information.

Open the Fuel Shut-Off Valve, which is located on the bottom of the Fuel Tank and accessed from the

rear (

Figure 1 on page 11).

Check the Tire Pressures

The maximum Tire pressure is marked on the side of each Tire. Do not exceed the manufacturer’s

recommended maximum pressure.