Use and Care Manual

5
Side Discharge Chute
The mower can be used to
mulch or side discharge
grass clippings.
To mulch, make sure the
side discharge chute is not
installed, and the side
discharge guard on the
mower deck is fully closed.
To discharge clippings to
the side, stop the engine,
lift the side door up, and
install the side discharge
chute as shown.
Check the Oil Level
1. Unscrew and remove the filler cap/dipstick and wipe it clean.
2. Insert and remove the
dipstick without
screwing it into the
filler neck. Check the oil
level shown on the
dipstick.
3. If the oil level is low, add
oil to reach the upper
limit mark on the dipstick.
Do not overfill. If the
engine is overfilled, the
excess oil may get
transferred to the air
cleaner housing and air
filter. An indication of
overfilling is white or blue
smoke coming from the
muffler when the engine
is running.
Use 10W-30 API Service
category SJ oil for normal
conditions. For additional
oil recommendations,
see page 10.
NOTICE
Running the engine with a low oil level can cause engine
damage.
4. Screw in the filler cap/dipstick securely.
Add Fuel
This engine is certified to operate on regular gasoline with a pump
octane rating of 86 or higher.
Never use stale or contaminated gasoline or an oil/gasoline mixture.
Avoid getting dirt or water in the fuel tank.
You may use regular unleaded gasoline containing no more than 10%
ethanol (E10) or 5% methanol by volume. In addition, methanol must
contain cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors.
Use of fuels with content of ethanol or methanol greater than shown
above may cause starting and/or performance problems. It may also
damage metal, rubber, and plastic parts of the fuel system.
Engine damage or performance problems that result form using a fuel
with percentages of ethanol or methanol greater than shown above
are not covered under warranty.
NOTICE
If your equipment will be used on an infrequent or intermittent basis,
(more than 4 weeks before next use), refer to “FUEL SYSTEM
MAINTENANCE” on page 16 for information regarding fuel
deterioration.
1. Remove the fuel tank cap.
2. Add fuel to the bottom of the red fuel level gauge in the neck of
the fuel tank. Do not overfill. Wipe up spilled fuel before starting
the engine.
3. Tighten the fuel tank cap until it clicks.
Move the mower at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from the fueling
source and site before starting the engine.
NOTICE
Fuel can damage paint and plastic. Be careful not to spill fuel
when filling your fuel tank. Damage caused by spilled fuel is not
covered by the DISTRIBUTOR’S LIMITED WARRANTY
(page 21).
SIDE
DISCHARGE
GUARD
SIDE DISCHARGE CHUTE
FILLER
CAP
/DIPSTICK
LOWER
LIMIT
UPPER
LIMIT
 WARNING
Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive, and you can be
burned or seriously injured when refueling.
• Stop the engine and keep heat, sparks, and flame away.
• Refuel only outdoors.
• Wipe up spills immediately.
MAXIMUM
FUEL LEVEL
RED FUEL
LEVEL
GAUGE