Cub Cadet 18M Operator's Manual page 6

2
Safe
Operation
Practices
WARNING
This symbol points
out important safety
instructions which,
if not followed,
could endanger the
personal safety and/
or property of yourself
and others. Read and
follow all instructions
in this manual before
attempting to operate
this machine. Failure
to comply with these
instructions may result
in personal injury. When
you see this symbol.
HEED ITS WARNING!
Your Responsibility
Restrict the use
of this power machine
to persons who read,
understand
and follow the warnings
and instructions
in this manual
and on the machine.
9. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than ½
inch below bottom of filler neck to provide for fuel
expansion.
10. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
11. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and equip-
ment. Move unit to another area. Wait 5 minutes
before starting the engine.
12. Never store the machine or fuel container near an
open flame, spark or pilot light as on a water heater,
space heater, furnace, clothes dryer or other gas
appliances.
13. To reduce fire hazard, keep mower free of grass,
leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel
spillage and remove any fuel soaked debris.
14. Allow a mower to cool at least 5 minutes before
storing.
General Service:
1. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated
area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an
odorless and deadly gas.
2. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make
certain the blade and all moving parts have stopped.
Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground against
the engine to prevent unintended starting.
3. Check the blade and engine mounting bolts at
frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also, visually
inspect blade for damage (e.g., bent, cracked, worn)
Replace blade with the original equipment manufac-
ture's (O.E.M.) blade only, listed in this manual. "Use
of parts which do not meet the original equipment
specifications may lead to improper performance
and compromise safety!"
4. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade
or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing
them.
5. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
6. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.
7. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine,
disconnect the spark plug wire and ground against
the engine. Thoroughly inspect the mower for any
damage. Repair the damage before starting and
operating the mower.
8. Never attempt to make a wheel or cutting height
adjustment while the engine is running.
9. Grass catcher components, discharge cover, and trail
shield are subject to wear and damage which could
expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. For
safety protection, frequently check components and
replace immediately with original equipment manufac-
turer's (O.E.M.) parts only, listed in this manual. "Use
of parts which do not meet the original equipment
specifications may lead to improper performance and
compromise safety!"
10. Do not change the engine governor setting or
overspeed the engine. The governor controls the
maximum safe operating speed of the engine.
11. Check fuel line, tank, cap, and fittings frequently for
cracks or leaks. Replace if necessary.
12. Do not crank engine with spark plug removed.
13. Maintain or replace safety labels, as necessary.
14. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations.
Improper disposal of fluids and materials can harm the
environment.
15. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commis-
sion (CPSC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA), this product has an
of seven (7) years, or 60 hours of operation. At the
end of the
Average Useful Life
have the machine inspected annually by an authorized
service dealer to ensure that all mechanical and safety
systems are working properly and not worn exces-
sively. Failure to do so can result in accidents, injuries
or death.
Do not modify engine
To avoid serious injury or death, do not modify engine in
any way. Tampering with the governor setting can lead
to a runaway engine and cause it to operate at unsafe
speeds. Never tamper with factory setting of engine
governor.
6
Average Useful Life
, buy a new machine or