Snapper 285Z Operator's Manual page 7

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 cannot answer to your satisfaction, contact the Customer Service Department.
Protection for Children
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children. Children are often attracted 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 operator.
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 corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
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 han-
dling and the stability of the machine.
1. DO NOT operate machine on slopes exceeding 10 degrees
(18% grade).
2. Exercise EXTREME CAUTION on all slopes. 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.
5. STAY ALERT for holes and other hidden hazards. Tall grass
can hide obstacles. Keep away from ditches, washouts, cul-
verts, fences and protruding objects.
Protection Against Tipovers
(Continued From Previous Column)
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 operate
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.
Preparation
1. Read, understand, and follow instructions and warnings in
this manual and on the machine, engine and attachments.
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 others
from serious injury.
4. Handle fuel with extra care. Fuels are flammable and vapors
are explosive. Use only an approved fuel container. DO NOT
remove fuel cap or add fuel with engine running. 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.
Operator Safety
7