Important Safety Instructions - Snapper Out Front Z-rider Mower Operator's Manual

IMPORTANT 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.
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.
2. DO NOT allow children in yard when machine is
operated (even with the blades OFF).
3. DO NOT allow children or others to ride on
machine or on attachments (even with the blade
OFF). They may fall and be seriously injured.
4. DO NOT allow pre-teenage children to operate
machine. Local regulations may restrict the age
of the operator.
5. ALLOW only adults or responsible teenagers
with mature judgment
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 and turf
conditions 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 uphill starts. If machine stops going
uphill or tires lose traction, turn blades OFF and
back slowly down the slope.
under close adult
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. DO NOT operate machine near drop offs, ditches,
embankments, washouts, culverts, fences and
protruding objects. 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. DO NOT operate machine under any condition
where traction, steering or stability is doubtful.
12. Operator Protective Structures are available for this
machine through your local SNAPPER dealer.
PREPARATION
1. Read, understand and follow instructions and
warnings in this manual and on the machine, engine
and attachments. Know the controls, the safety
signs and the proper use of the machine before
starting. If the operators or mechanics cannot read
English, it is the owner's responsibility to explain
this material to them.
2. Only mature, responsible persons shall operate or
service the machine and only after proper
instruction and training. The owner is responsible
for training
owner/operator can prevent and/or is responsible
for accidents or injuries occurring to themselves,
other people or property.
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.
2
the operators. Further, the