What safety steps must I take before performing any service or adjustments?

Before performing any service or adjustments, depress the clutch/brake pedal fully and set the parking brake, then place the motion control lever in neutral and the attachment clutch in the disengaged position. Turn the ignition key to 'STOP' and remove it, and make sure all blades and moving parts have completely stopped. Finally, disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug and place the wire where it cannot contact the plug. (Page 21)