Operator Safety; Important Operator Safety Instructions - Snapper 3317523BVE Safety Instructions & Operator's Manual

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Important Operator Safety Instructions

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, call or write the Customer Service
Department at SNAPPER, 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 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 handling and the stability of the machine.
Refer to the Slope Guide at the end of this manual.
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.
5. STAY ALERT for holes and other hidden hazards. Tall
grass can hide obstacles. Keep away from ditches,
washouts, culverts, fences and protruding objects.
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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 trac-
tion could cause sliding.
11. Choose 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
traction, 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 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 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.
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.
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