Snapper 285Z Operator's Manual page 9

Towing
1. Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for tow-
ing. DO NOT attach towed equipment except at the hitch
point.
2. Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for weight lim-
its for towed equipment and towing on slopes.
3. DO NOT allow children or others on towed equipment.
4. On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may cause
loss of traction and loss of control.
5. Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.
Maintenance
1. DO NOT store machine or fuel container inside where
fumes may reach an open flame, spark or pilot light such
as in a water heater, furnace, clothes dryer or other gas
appliance. Allow engine to cool before storing machine in
an enclosure. Store fuel container out of the reach of chil-
dren in a well ventilated, unoccupied building.
2. Keep engine free of grass, leaves or excess grease to
reduce fire hazard and engine overheating.
3. When draining fuel tank, drain fuel into an approved con-
tainer outdoors and away from open flame.
4. Check brakes frequently; adjust, repair or replace as need-
ed.
5. Keep all bolts, nuts and screws properly tight. Check that
all cotter pins are in proper position.
WARNING
Grass Catcher bags used on this product are made of woven
fabric, and are subject to deterioration and wear during
normal usage. Check condition of bags before each use.
Immediately replace worn or damaged catcher bags with only
bags recommended by the manufacturer. The Grass Catcher is
optional equipment on some models.
Maintenance
(Continued From Previous Column)
6. Always provide adequate ventilation when running engine.
Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, an odorless and
deadly poison.
7. Disconnect negative (black) cable from battery before
performing maintenance or service. Cranking engine could
cause injury.
8. DO NOT work under machine without safety blocks.
9. Service engine and make adjustments only when engine is
stopped. Remove spark plug wire(s) from spark plug(s)
and secure wire(s) away from spark plug(s).
10. DO NOT change engine governor speed settings or over-
speed engine.
11. Lubricate machine at intervals specified in manual to
prevent controls from binding.
12. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blades or
wear heavy leather gloves and use CAUTION when handling
them.
13. DO NOT test for spark by grounding spark plug next to
spark plug hole; spark plug could ignite gas exiting engine.
14. Have machine serviced by an authorized dealer at least
once a year and have the dealer install any new safety
devices.
15. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels as
necessary.
16. Use only genuine replacement parts to assure that original
standards are maintained.
WARNING
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain
vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer or other reproductive
harm.
WARNING
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain
lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
Operator Safety
9