Manual

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IMPORTANTOPERATORSAFETYINSTRUCTIONS
WARNING:This powerful cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and can throw objects
that can cause injury and damage! Failureto comply with the following SAFETYinstructions could result in
serious injury or death to the operator or other persons. The owner of the machine must understand these
instructions and must allow only persons who understandthese instructions to operate machine. Each
person operating the machine must be of sound mind and body and must not be under the influence of any
substance,which might impair vision, dexterity or judgment. If you have any questions pertaining to your
machinewhich your dealer cannot answer to your satisfaction, call or write the Customer Service
Departmentat SNAPPER,McDonough, Georgia30253. Phone: (1-800-317-7833).
Protection for Children
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presenceof children. Children are often attracted to the
machine andthe mowing activity. Neverassume that
children will remain where you last saw them.
1. KEEPchildren out of the mowing area and under the
watchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator.
2. DO NOTallow children in yard when machine is operated
andturn machine OFFif anyone enters the area.
3. DO NOTallow pre-teenagechildren to operate machine.
4. ALLOW only responsible adults & teenagerswith mature
judgment under close adult supervision to operate machine.
5. DO NOTpull mower backwards unless absolutely
necessary.LOOKand SEEbehind and down for children,
pets and hazards beforeand while backing.
6. USEEXTRACAREwhen approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
SlopeOperation
1. Slopes are a major factor relatedto slip and fall acci-
dents, which can result in severe injury. All slopes require
extra caution. If you feel uneasyon a slope, DO NOTmow
it.
2. Mow across slopes, never up-and-down. Exercise
extreme CAUTIONwhen changing directions on slopes. DO
NOTmow steep slopes or other areas where stability or
traction is in doubt. Referto the Slope Guideat the end of
this manual.
3. Useextra care with grass catchers or other attachments;
these affect the handling and the stability of the machine.
Preparation
1. Read,understand, and follow instructions and warnings
in this manualand on the mower, engine and attachments.
Know the controls and the proper use of the mower before
starting.
2. Only mature, responsible persons shall operate the
machine and only after proper instruction.
3. Data indicates that operators age 60 and above,are
involved in a large percentageof mower-related injuries.
Theseoperators should evaluatetheir ability to operate the
mower safely enough to protect themselves and others
from serious injury.
Preparation
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4. Handle fuel with extra care. Fuelsareflammable and
vapors are explosive. Useonly an approved fuel container.
DO NOTremovefuel cap or addfuel with engine running.
Add fuel outdoors only with engine stopped and cool. Clean
spilled fuel and oil from machine. DO NOTsmoke.
5. Checkthe areato be mowed and removeall objects such
as toys, wire, rocks, limbs and other objects that could
cause injury if thrown by bladeor interfere with mowing.
Also note the location of holes, stumps, and other possible
hazards.
6. Keeppeople and pets out of the mowing area.
Immediately,STOP Blade,Stop engine and Stop mower if
anyone enters the area.
7. Checkshields, deflectors, switches, blade controls and
other safety devicesfrequently for proper operation and
location.
8. Make sureall safety decals are clearly legible. Replaceif
damaged.
9. Protect yourself when mowing and wear safety glasses, a
dust mask, long pants, and substantial footwear. DO NOT
mow barefooted or with sandals.
10. Know how to STOPbladeand engine quickly in
preparation for emergencies.
11. Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine
into a trailer or truck.
12. Checkgrass catcher components frequently for signs of
wear or deterioration and replaceas neededto prevent
injury from thrown objects going through weak or torn
spots.
Safe Handlingof Gasoline
To avoid personal injury or property damage, useextreme
care in handling gasoline. Gasolineis extremely flammable
and the vapors are explosive.
1. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources
of ignition.
2. Use only an approved fuel container.
3. DO NOTremovefuel cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allow the engineto cool before refueling.
4. DO NOTrefuelthe machine indoors.
5. DO NOTstore the machine or fuel container inside where
there is an open flame, spark or pilot light such as on a
water heater or other appliances.
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