Snapper FM7300 Safety Instructions & Operator's Manual page 18

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
PREPARATION
(Continued From Previous Page)
5. Check the area to be mowed and remove all
objects such as toys, wire, rocks, limbs and other
objects that could cause injury if thrown by blade
or interfere with mowing.
6. Keep people and pets a safe distance from
machine.
7. Check shields, deflectors, switches, blade
controls and other safety devices frequently for
proper operation and location.
8. Make sure all safety decals are clearly legible.
Replace if damaged.
9. Protect yourself when mowing and wear safety
glasses, long pants and substantial footwear.
10. Know how to STOP blade and engine quickly in
preparation for emergencies.
11. Use extra care when loading or unloading the
mowing equipment into a trailer or truck.
12. Check grass catcher components frequently, if
applicable, for signs of wear or deterioration and
replace as needed to prevent injury from thrown
objects going through weak or worn spots.
13. Attach mower to tractor hitch using proper hitch
pins and retainers. If mower separates from
tractor during operation, serious injury or death
can result.
14. Adjust stabilizer bars on tractor hitch to prevent
driveline contact with tires during turns and keep
mower in proper position behind tractor.
15. Mower caster wheels must be on the ground and
support mower before turning blades on. DO NOT
operate mower at any time with casters off the
ground. Blades must stop rotating before lifting or
transporting mower to avoid dangerous driveline
condition.
OPERATION
1. Follow Tractor Manual Instructions for proper
tractor operation.
2. STOP BLADE and ENGINE and make sure blade
has stopped before removing grass catcher, if
applicable, or unclogging mower to prevent loss
of fingers or hand.
3. Blade must be OFF except when cutting grass. Set
blade in highest position when mowing over
rough ground.
4. Keep hands and feet away from rotating blade
underneath deck. NEVER place foot on ground
while BLADE is ON or machine is in motion.
5. Deflector or entire grass catcher, if applicable,
must be in place. NEVER point discharge at
people, passing cars, windows or doors.
6. Slow down before turning.
7. Watch out for traffic when near or crossing
roadways.
8. STOP engine immediately after striking an
obstruction. Inspect mower and repair damage
before resuming operation.
9. Mow only in daylight or with good artificial light.
OPERATION
(Continued From Previous Column)
9. DO NOT pull loads when mower is attached to
tractor.
10. This mower attachment can affect the handling
and stability of the tractor it is mounted on. Refer
to your tractor manual or contact your tractor
dealer or tractor manufacturer for SAFETY
information and requirements for counter weights.
11. DO NOT operate mower unless all guards, shields
and defectors are in place.
12. Rotating driveline contact can cause injury or
death. DO NOT operate mower without all driveline
& mower shields in place and functioning
properly.
13. DO NOT operate mower if driveline shielding is
damaged or does not rotate freely.
14. Make sure all motion has stopped (traction,
blades, etc.) and mower is parked in position to
prevent movement before approaching mower for
any reason.
15. DO NOT transport mower with mower blades
rotating.
16. DO NOT exceed the recommended operating
speed of mower driveline.
17. DO NOT stand on mower or driveline.
18. DO NOT exceed the safe working angle of the
driveline. Make sure blades have stopped rotating
before lifting mower.
19. DO NOT enter the area between the tractor and the
mower until all rotating parts have stopped. STOP
tractor. STOP engine. STOP blades. Set brake.
Remove key.
20. DO NOT allow children or others to stand sit or
ride on finishing mower.
21. DO NOT lift people or objects with the finishing
mower.
MAINTENANCE
1. Keep all bolts, nuts and screws properly tight.
Check that all cotter pins are in proper position.
2. Lubricate mower at intervals specified in manual.
3. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the
blades or wear heavy leather gloves and use
CAUTION when handling them.
4. Have mower serviced by an authorized SNAPPER
dealer at least once a year and have the dealer
install any new safety devices.
5. Use only genuine SNAPPER replacement parts on
finishing mower to assure that original safety
standards are maintained.
6. DO NOT work under the mower when lifted unless
it has been securely blocked to prevent the mower
from falling or moving. Disconnect driveline from
tractor before doing any work on mower.