Snapper 500Z Series Safety Instructions & Operator's Manual page 8

Operator Sa(ety
SLOPEOPERATION
Slopesare a major factor relatedto loss-of-control and tip-
over accidents,which can result in severeinjury or death.
Operationon all slopes requires extra 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 regained by the application of 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. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
3. Choosea slow speed so that you will not have to 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
lose traction (i.e. machine stops forward motion on a
slope), disengagethe blade(s) (PTO) and drive slow off
the slope.
6. Keep all 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.
8. Do not try to stabilize the 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. Remove obstacles 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.
TOWEDEQUIPMENT (RIDE-ONUNITS)
1. Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for
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
.WARNiNG
Never operate on slopes greater than 15° which is a
rise of 5.4 feet (1,6 m) vertically in 20 feet (6 m)
hoNzontally.
Select slow ground speed before driving onto slope.
Use extra cautionwhen operatingon slopeswith rear-
mounted grass catchers.
Mow across the face of slopes, not up and down ,use
caution when changingdirections and DO NOT START
ORSTOPONSLOPE.
attaching a trailer under OPERATION.
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
Tragic accidentscan occur if the operator is not alert to the
presenceof children. Children are often attractedto the unit
and the mowing activity. Neverassumethat children will
remain whereyou last saw them.
1. Keep children 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. Before and 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. Childrenwho havebeen 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. Engine exhaust 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.
IGNITIONSYSTEM
1. This spark ignitionsystem complies with Canadian
ICES-O02.
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