Snapper 355Z Series Operator's Manual page 8

Important OperatorSafety Instructions(Continued)
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SLOPE OPERATION
Slopesare a major factor relatedto loss-of-control and tip-over
accidents,which can result in severeinjury or death. Operation
on all slopes requiresextra caution. If you cannot back up the
slope or if you feel uneasyon it, do not operateon it.
Control of a walk-behind or ride-on machinesliding on a slope
will not be regainedby the applicationof the brake. The main
reasonsfor loss of control are: insufficienttire grip on the
ground, speedtoo fast, inadequatebraking, the type of
machine is unsuitablefor its task, lack of awarenessof the
ground conditions, incorrect hitching and load distribution.
1. Mow across slopes, not up and down.
2. Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneventerrain could
overturn the unit. Tallgrass can hide obstacles.
3. Choosea slow speed so that you will not haveto stop or
change speeds while on the slope.
4. Do not mow on wet grass. Tires may loose traction.
5. Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If tires
losetraction (i.e. machine stops forward motion on a
slope), disengagethe blade(s) (PTO) and drive slow off
the slope.
6. Keepall movement on slopes slow and gradual. Do not
make sudden changes in speed or direction, which could
cause the machine to rollover.
7. Use extra care while operating machines with grass
catchers or other attachments; they can affect the
stability of the unit. Do not use on steeps slopes.
B. Do not try to stabilizethe machine by putting your foot
on the ground (ride-on units).
9. Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.
The mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over
the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.
10. Do not use grass catchers on steep slopes.
11. Do not mow slopes if you cannot back up them.
12. Seeyour authorized dealer/retailer for recommendations
of wheel weights or counterweights to improve stability.
13. Removeobstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
14. Use slow speed. Tires may lose traction on slopes even
though the brakes are functioning properly.
15. Do not turn on slopes unless necessary,and then, turn
slowly and gradually uphill, if possible. Never mow
down slopes.
TOWED EQUIPMENT (RIDE-ON UNITS)
1. Tow only with a machinethat has a hitch designedfor
towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at the
hitch point.
2. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for weight
limit for towed equipment and towing on slopes. See
attaching a trailer under OPERATION.
AWARNING
Never operate on slopes greater than 150 which is a
rise of 5.4 feet (1,6 m) vertically in 20 feet (6 m)
horizontally.
Select slow groundspeed before driving ontoslope.
Use extra caution when operating on slopeswith rear-
mountedgrass catchers.
Mow acrossthe face of slopes, not up and down,use
cautionwhen changingdirectionsand DO NOT START
OR STOPONSLOPE.
3. Never allow children or others in or 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.
6. Do not shift to neutral and coast down hill.
CHILDREN
Tragicaccidentscan occur if the operator is not alertto the
presenceof children. Childrenare often attractedto the unit
and the mowing activity. Neverassumethat children will
remain whereyou last saw them.
1. Keepchildren out of the mowing area and under the
watchful care of another responsible adult.
2. Be alert and turn unit off if children enter the area.
3. Beforeand during reverse operation, look behind and
down for small children.
4. Never carry children, even with the blade(s) off. They
may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe
unit operation. 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.
5. Never allow children to operate the unit.
6. Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
EMISSIONS
1. Engineexhaust from this product contains chemicals
known, in certain quantities, to cause cancer, birth
defects, or other reproductive harm.
2. Look for the relevant Emissions Durability Period and Air
Index information on the engine emissions label.
IGNITION SYSTEM
1. This spark ignition system complies with CanadianICES-
002.
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