Manual

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ImportantOperatorSafetyInstructions
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WARNING:This powerful cutting machine is capableof amputating hands and feet and can throw objects
that can cause injury and damage! Failureto comply with the following SAFETYinstructions could result in
serious injury or deathto the operator or other persons. The owner of the machine must understandthese
instructions and must allow only persons who understand these instructions to operate machine. Each
person operating the machine must be of sound mind and body and must not be underthe influence of any
substance, which might impair vision, dexterity or judgment. If you have any questions pertaining to your
machine which your dealercannot answerto your satisfaction, call or write the Customer Service
Department at SNAPPER,McDonough, Georgia30253. Phone:[phone]).
Protection for Children
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presenceof children. Children are often attracted to the
machine andthe mowing activity. Children who have been
given rides in the past may suddenly appear in the mowing
areafor another ride and be run over or backedover by the
machine. Never assume that children will remain where you
last saw them.
1. KEEPchildren out of the mowing area and under the
watchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator.
2. DO NOTallow children in yard when machine is operated
(even with the bladeOFF).
3. DO NOTallow children or others to ride on machine,
attachmentsor towed equipment (even with the blades
OFF).They may fall and be seriously injured.
4. DO NOTallow pre-teenagechildren to operate machine.
5. ALLOW only responsible adults & teenagerswith mature
judgment under close adult supervision to operate machine.
6. DO NOToperate blades in reverse. STOP BLADES.LOOK
and SEEbehind and down for children, pets and hazards
before and while backing.
7. USEEXTRACAREwhen approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
Protection against Tipovers
Slopes are a major factor relatedto loss-of-control and tip-
over accidents, which can result in severe injury or death.
All slopes require extra CAUTION.If you cannot back up the
slope or if you feel uneasyon the slope, DO NOTmow it.
Useextra care with grass catchers or other attachments;
these affect the handling and the stability of the machine.
Referto the Slope Guideat the end of this manual.
1. DO NOToperate machine on slopes exceeding15
degrees (27% grade).
2. ExerciseEXTREMECAUTIONon slopes above 10
degrees (18% grade). Turn blades OFFwhen traveling
uphill. Usea slow speed and avoid sudden or sharp turns.
3. DO NOToperate machine back and forth across face of
slopes. Operate up and down. Practice on slopes with
blades off.
4. AVOIDstarting, stopping or turning on slopes. If machine
stops going uphill or tires lose traction, turn blades OFFand
backslowly straight down the slope.
5. STAYALERTfor holes and other hidden hazards.Tall
grass can hide obstacles. Keepawayfrom ditches,
washouts, culverts, fences and protruding objects.
Protection against Tipovers
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6. KEEPA SAFEDISTANCE(at least3 feet) awayfrom edge
of ditches and other drop offs. The machine could turn over
if an edge caves in.
7. Always begin forward motion slowly and with caution.
8. Useweights or a weighted load carrier in accordance
with instructions supplied with a grass catcher. DO NOT
operate machine on slopes exceeding10 degrees (18%
grade) when equippedwith grass catcher.
9. DO NOTput your foot on the ground to try to stabilize
the machine.
10. DO NOToperate machine on wet grass. Reducedtrac-
tion could causesliding.
11. Choosea low enough speed setting so that you will not
haveto stop or shift on a slope. Tires may lose traction on
slopes even though the brakes are functioning properly.
12. DO NOToperate machine under any condition where
traction, steering or stability is doubtful.
13. Always keepthe machine in gear when going down
slopes. DO NOTshift to neutral (or actuatehydro roll
release)and coast downhill.
Preparation
1. Read,understand, and follow instructions and warnings
in this manual and on the machine, engine and attach-
ments. Know the controls and the proper use of the
machine before starting.
2. Only mature, responsible persons shall operate the
machineand only after proper instruction.
3. Dataindicates that operators age 60 and above,are
involved in a large percentageof mower-relatedinjuries.
These operators should evaluatetheir ability to operatethe
mower safely enough to protect themselves and others
from serious injury.
4. Handle fuel with extra care. Fuelsareflammable and
vapors are explosive. Useonly an approvedfuel container.
DO NOTremovefuel cap or addfuel with engine running.
Add fuel outdoors only with engine stopped and cool. Clean
spilled fuel from machine. DONOTsmoke.
5. Practice operation of machinewith BLADESOFFto learn
controls and develop skills.
6. Checkthe areato be mowed and removeall objects such
as toys, wire, rocks, limbs and other objects that could
cause injury if thrown by bladeor interfere with mowing.
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