Snapper 355Z Series Operator's Manual page 9

Important OperatorSafety Instructions(Continued) ---
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
Safe Handlingof Gasoline
1. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources
of ignition.
2. Use only approved gasoline containers.
3. Never remove the gas cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allow the engine to cool before refueling.
4. Neverfuel the machine indoors.
5. Neverstore the machine or fuel container where there is
an open flame, spark, or pilot light such as near a water
heateror other appliance.
6. Neverfill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck bed
with a plastic bed liner. Always place containers on the
ground away from your vehicle before filling.
7. Removegas-powered equipment from the truck or trailer
and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then
refuel such equipment on a trailer with a portable
container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.
8. Keep nozzlein contact with the rim of the fuel tank or
container opening at all times until fueling is complete.
Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.
9. If fuel is spilled on clothing, changeclothing immediately.
10. Never over-fill the fuel tank. Replacegas cap and tighten
securely.
11. Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They
are flammable and vapors are explosive.
12. If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to start the engine but
move the machine away from the area of spillage and
avoid creating any source of ignition until fuel vapors
havedissipated.
13. Replaceall fuel tank caps and fuel container caps
securely.
Service & Maintenance
1. Never run the unit in an enclosed area where carbon
monoxide fumes may collect.
2. Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts,
tight and keepequipment in good condition.
3. Nevertamper with safety devices. Checktheir proper
operation regularly and make necessary repairs if they
are not functioning properly.
4. Keep unit free of grass, leaves,or other debris build-up.
Cleanup oil or fuel spillage, and remove any fuel-soaked
debris. Allow machine to cool before storage.
5. If you strike an object, stop and inspect the machine.
Repair,if necessary,before restarting.
6. Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine
running.
7. Checkgrass catcher components and the discharge
guard frequently and replacewith manufacturer's
recommended parts, when necessary.
8. Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear gloves,
and useextra caution when servicing them.
9. Checkbrake operation frequently. Adjust and service as
required.
10. Maintain or replacesafety and instructions labels, as
necessary.
11. Do not remove the fuel filter when the engine is hot as
spilled gasoline may ignite. Do not spread fuel line
clamps further than necessary. Ensureclamps grip
hoses firmly over the filter after installation.
12. Do not use gasoline containing METHANOL,gasohol
containing more than 10% ETHANOL, g asoline additives,
or white gas because engine/fuel system damagecould
result.
13. If the fuel tank must be drained, it should be drained
outdoors.
14. Replacefaulty silencers/mufflers.
15. Maintain or replacesafety and instruction labels as
necessary.
16. Use only factory authorized replacementparts when
making repairs.
17. Always comply with factory specifications on all settings
and adjustments.
18. Only authorized service locations should be utilized for
major service and repair requirements.
19. Neverattempt to make major repairs on this unit unless
you have been properly trained. Improper service
procedures can result in hazardous operation, equipment
damageand voiding of manufacturer's warranty.
20. On multiple blade mowers, take care as rotating one
blade can cause other bladesto rotate.
21. Do not change engine governor settings or over-speed
the engine. Operatingthe engine at excessive speedcan
increasethe hazardof personal injury.
22. Disengagedrive attachments, stop the engine, remove
the key, and disconnect the spark plug wire(s) before:
clearing attachment blockages and chutes, performing
service work, striking an object, or if the unit vibrates
abnormally. After striking an object, inspect the machine
for damageand make repairs before restarting and
operating the equipment.
23. Never place hands near the moving parts, such as a
hydro pump cooling fan, when the tractor is running.
(Hydro pump cooling fans are typically located on top of
the transaxle).
24. Units with hydraulic pumps, hoses, or motors:
WARNING: Hydraulic fluid escaping under pressure may
havesufficient force to penetrateskin and cause serious
injury. If foreign fluid is injected into the skin it must be
surgically removed within a few hours by a doctor
familiar with this form of injury or gangrene may result.
Keep body and hands away from pin holes or nozzles
that eject hydraulic fluid under high pressure. Use paper
or cardboard, and not hands, to search for leaks. Make
sure all hydraulic fluid connections are tight and all
hydraulic hoses and lines are in good condition before
applying pressure to the system, if leaks occur, havethe
unit serviced immediately by your authorized dealer.
25. WARNING:Stored energy device. Improper releaseof
springs can result in serious personal injury. Springs
should be removed by an authorized technician.
26. Models equipped with an engine radiator: WARNING:
Stored energy device. To prevent serious bodily injury
from hot coolant or steam blow-out, never attempt to
remove the radiator cap while the engine is running.
Stop the engine and wait until it is cool. Eventhen, use
extreme care when removing the cap.