Important Safety Instructions - Snapper HZT21481BV Safety Instructions & Operator's Manual

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS A
WARNING: This powerful cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and can throw objects that can
cause injury and damage! Failure to comply with the following SAFETY instructions could result in serious injury
or death to the operator or other persons. The owner of the machine must understand these 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 under the influence of any substance, which might
impair vision, dexterity or judgment. If you have any questions pertaining to your machine which your dealer can-
not answer to your satisfaction, call or write the Customer Service Department at SNAPPER Products Inc.,
McDonough, Georgia 30253. Phone: (1-800-935-2967).
PROTECTION FOR CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert
to the presence of children. Children are often attract-
ed to the machine and the mowing activity. Children
who have been given rides in the past may suddenly
appear in the mowing area for another ride and be run
over or backed over by the machine. Never assume
that children will remain where you last saw them.
1. KEEP children out of the mowing area and under the
watchful care of a responsible adult other than the opera-
tor.
2. DO NOT allow children in yard when machine is operated
(even with the blade OFF).
3. DO NOT allow children or others to ride on machine,
attachments or towed equipment (even with the blades
OFF). They may fall and be seriously injured.
4. DO NOT allow pre-teenage children to operate machine.
5. ALLOW only responsible adults & teenagers with mature
judgment under close adult supervision to operate
machine.
6. DO NOT operate blades in reverse. STOP BLADES. LOOK
and SEE behind and down for children, pets and hazards
before and while backing.
7. USE EXTRA CARE when approaching blind comers,
shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
PROTECTION AGAINST TIPOVERS
(Continued From Previous Column)
5. STAY ALERT for holes and other hidden hazards. Tall
grass can hide obstacles. Keep away from ditches,
washouts, culverts, fences and protruding objects.
6. KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE (at least 3 feet) away from 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. Use weights or a weighted load carrier in accordance with
instructions supplied with a grass catcher. DO NOT oper-
ate machine on slopes exceeding 10 degrees (18% grade)
when equipped with grass catcher.
9. DO NOT put your foot on the ground to try to stabilize the
machine.
10. DO NOT operate machine on wet grass. Reduced traction
could cause sliding.
11. Chose a low enough speed setting so that you will not
have to stop or shift on a slope. Tires may lose traction on
slopes even though the brakes are functioning properly.
12. DO NOT operate machine under any condition where trac-
tion, steering or stability is doubtful.
13. Always keep the machine in gear when going down
slopes. DO NOT shift to neutral (or actuate hydro roll
release) and coast downhill.
PROTECTION AGAINST TIPOVERS
Slopes are a major factor related to 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 uneasy on the slope,
DO NOT mow it. Use extra care with grass catchers or
other attachments; these affect the handling and the
stability of the machine.
1. DO NOT operate machine on slopes exceeding 15
degrees (27% grade).
2. Exercise EXTREME CAUTION on slopes above 10
degrees (18% grade). Turn blades OFF when traveling
uphill. Use a slow speed and avoid sudden or sharp turns.
3. DO NOT operate machine back and forth across face of
slopes. Operate up and down. Practice on slopes with
blades off.
4. AVOID starting, stopping or turning on slopes. If machine
stops going uphill or tires lose traction, turn blades OFF
and back slowly straight down the slope.
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
machine and only after proper instruction.
3. Data indicates that operators age 60 and above, are
involved in a large percentage of mower-related injuries.
These operators should evaluate their ability to operate
the mower safely enough to protect themselves and oth-
ers from serious injury.
4. Handle fuel with extra care. Fuels are flammable and
vapors are explosive. Use only an approved fuel contain-
er. DO NOT remove fuel cap or add fuel with engine run-
ning. Add fuel outdoors only with engine stopped and
cool. Clean spilled fuel from machine. DO NOT smoke.
5. Practice operation of machine with BLADES OFF to learn
controls and develop skills.
6. Check the area to be mowed and remove all objects such
as toys, wire, rocks, limbs and other objects that could
cause injury if thrown by blade or interfere with mowing.