Snapper 21404 Safety Instructions And Operator's Manual page 3

FIG. 1 - ENGINE START STANCE
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Keep the important safety instructions on page 2 in mind
when operating your mower. Know beforehand how to stop
the blade and/or engine in preparation for possible
emergencies. On these models, the blade is stopped by
releasing the BLADE CONTROL and the engine is stopped
by moving the ENGINE CONTROL rearward to STOP posi¬
tion. Forward motion of self-propelled models is stopped
by releasing the WHEEL DRIVE control. Refer to figure 2
for location of these controls.
PRE-START CHECKS
Before each start-up, check the following and perform the
service specified as needed.
• CHECK guards, grass bag and adapter or side discharge
chute to make sure these items are in proper position and
securely tightened. NOTE: The tab on the inside rear edge
of the grass bag adapter must push the interlock spring in
toward the center of the mower. If improperly installed the
engine cannot be started.
• CHECK surfaces and remove dust, dirt, clippings par¬
ticularly from cooling air intake screen on engine to pre¬
vent overheating.
• CHECK oil level in 4 cycle engine and add oil as needed
to bring the level up to, but not over, full mark.*
• CHECK cutting height and adjust, as needed, to suit
prevailing grass conditions before starting (Refer to height
adjusting procedure on page 4).
• FILL FUEL TANK after pushing mower outdoors where
fumes will be safely dissipated. On 2-cycle engines, use-
the correct fuel to oil ratio.*
*See engine manual for fuel & oil specifications.
STARTING-STOPPING ENGINE
The engine is stopped by moving the ENGINE CONTROL
rearward to STOP. Start engine as follows: If the engine is
so equipped, turn the fuel valve on and push the primer
button before starting.
1. Set ENGINE CONTROL in START or CHOKE position.
2. Place foot with toe pointing forward on top of rear tire.
3. Hold handle with one hand to maintain balance, bend at
waist to reach ROPE STARTER.
4. Pull rope as you straighten up to use your back more
than your arm muscles.
5. Repeat pulling rope starter until engine starts. Guide
handle slowly back to engine each time to prevent rope
damage. Move behind handles to operators position. As
engine warms, move ENGINE CONTROL to desired RUN
position.
STARTING-STOPPING BLADE
Two separate and deliberate actions must be taken to start
the blade. This is to prevent accidental starting of the
blade. The blade is stopped by releasing the BLADE CON¬
TROL allowing it to move downward. The engine will con¬
tinue running with the blade control released on these
models. Start blade as follows (see figure 2).
1. Push the PIVOT down to the bottom of the slot and hold.
2. Pull the BLADE CONTROL back against the handle.
Note: This connot be done unless the pivot is held down in
the slot.
3. Hold BLADE CONTROL against handle to continue
mowing-release control to stop blade from turning.
NOTE: After the blade is started, it takes about 3 seconds
to reach full speed. To minimize blade starting time use
full engine speed and start the blade in a clear area.
(Continued on Page 4)
FIG. 2 - BLADE & OTHER CONTROLS
3