Important Safety Instructions - Snapper 13 Series Safety Instructions & 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 observe
the following SAFETY instructions couid resuit in
serious injury or death. Carefuiiy read this manual
and question your deaier if something is not ciear.
Shouid the deaier be unable to answer to your
satisfaction, write or caii the Customer Service
Department at SNAPPER, McDonough, Georgia,
30253 (Phone 404-954-2500).
PROTECTiON FOR CHILDREN
1. DO NOT allow children in yard when machine Is
operated (even with the blade OFF).
2. DO NOT allow children to ride on machine or on
attachments (even with the blade OFF).
3. DO NOT allow per-teenage children to operate
machine.
4. Only responsible teenagers with mature judgement
shall be allowed to operate machine and only under
close supervision.
PROTECTION AGAINST TIPOVERS
1. DO NOT operate machine on slopes exceeding 15
degrees (27% grade).
2. On slopes above 10 degrees (18% grade), exercise
extreme CAUTION. Turn blade OFF when traveling
uphill, also reduce speed and avoid sharp turns.
3. Avoid uphill starts. If machine Is stopped going uphill,
turn blade OFF and back slowly down the slope.
4. DO NOT mow under any condition where traction or
stability is doubtful without first test driving over the
terrain with blade OFF.
5. Stay alert for holes and other hidden hazards. Keep
away from ditches, washouts, culverts, fences and
protruding objects.
6. DO NOT mow back and forth across face of slopes.
7. KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE (at least three feet) away
from edge of ditches and other drop offs.
OTHER IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS
1. Read and follow operator's manuals and Instructions
furnished with attachments.
2. Only mature, responsible persons shall operate the
machine.
3. Mount and dismount the machine from left side.
4. Wear appropriate protective clothing when mowing,
such as, long pants and substantial footwear, not
barefoot or with open sandals.
5. Practice operation of machine with blade OFF to learn
controls and develop skill.
6. Persons under the influence of alcohol or drugs must
NOT operate machine.
7. Know how to STOP blade and engine quickly In
preparation for emergencies.
8. Keep people and pets a safe distance from machine.
9. Shields, deflectors, switches, blade controls and other
safety devices must be In proper position and
functional.
10. Clear area to be worked of wire, rocks and other
objects that could cause Injury if thrown by blade.
11. STOP blade, STOP engine and remove key when
leaving machine.
12. DO NOT operate machine unless properly seated with
feet on foot rests or pedal.
13. Keep hands and feet away from rotating blade
underneath deck. Never place foot on ground while
blade is ON or when machine is in motion.
14. Turn blade OFF, STOP engine and wait for blade to
STOP before attempting to unclog grass or leaves to
prevent loss of fingers or hand.
15. Blade must be switched OFF except when cutting
grass. Set cutter In highest position when mowing
over rough ground.
16. Deflector or grass catcher must be In position. Never
point discharge at people, passing cars, windows or
doors. Watch out for traffic when crossing or near
roadways.
17. Operate in reverse only after careful observation of
entire area behind the machine. DO NOT mow in
reverse unless absolutely necessary.
18. Service machine and make adjustments only when
engine is stopped.
19. Have machine serviced by an authorized SNAPPER
dealer at least once a year and have the dealer Install
any new SAFETY devices.
20. Use only genuine SNAPPER replacement parts to
assure that original standards are maintained.
21. Tighten all nuts, bolts and screws frequently, then
check, adjust, repair or replace brakes as needed.
22. Lubricate machine at intervals specified In manual to
prevent controls from binding.
23. Mow only in daylight or with good artificial light.
24. Handle gasoline with care! Never remove cap while
engine Is running. Fill tank outdoors only with engine
STOPPED and cool. Clean spilled gasoline from
machine. Store gasoline In approved container, out of
the reach of children, in well ventilated, unoccupied
building.
25. DO NOT change engine governor speed settings or
overspeed engine.
26. Check grass catcher components frequently for signs
of wear or deterioration and replace as needed to
prevent Injury from Items going through weak or worn
spots.
27. Exercise CAUTION when pulling loads. Limit loads to
those you can safely control and attach loads to hitch
plate as specified with SNAPPER attachment
instructions.
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