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 comply with the following SAFETY instructions 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 understand these 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 machine which your dealer cannot answer to your satisfaction, call or write the Customer Service Department at SNAPPER, McDonough, Georgia 30253. Phone: (1-800-935-2967).

PROTECTION FOR CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing activity. Children who have been 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. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them.

1.KEEP children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator.

2.DO NOT allow children in yard when machine is operated (even with the blade OFF).

3.DO NOT allow children or others to ride on machine, attachments or towed equipment (even with the blades OFF). They may fall and be seriously injured.

4.DO NOT allow pre-teenage children to operate machine.

5.ALLOW only responsible adults & teenagers with mature judgment under close adult supervision to operate machine.

6.DO NOT operate blades in reverse. STOP BLADES. LOOK and SEE behind and down for children, pets and hazards before and while backing.

7.USE EXTRA CARE when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.

PROTECTION AGAINST TIPOVERS

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5.STAY ALERT for holes and other hidden hazards. Tall grass can hide obstacles. Keep away from ditches, washouts, culverts, fences and protruding objects.

6.KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE (at least 3 feet) away from edge of ditches and other drop offs. The machine could turn over if an edge caves in.

7.Always begin forward motion slowly and with caution.

8.Use weights or a weighted load carrier in accordance with instructions supplied with a grass catcher. DO NOT operate machine on slopes exceeding 10 degrees (18% grade) when equipped with grass catcher.

9.DO NOT put your foot on the ground to try to stabilize the machine.

10.DO NOT operate machine on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding.

11.Chose a low enough speed setting so that you will not have to stop or shift on a slope. Tires may lose traction on slopes even though the brakes are functioning properly.

12.DO NOT operate machine under any condition where traction, steering or stability is doubtful.

13.Always keep the machine in gear when going down slopes. DO NOT shift to neutral (or actuate hydro roll release) and coast downhill.

PROTECTION AGAINST TIPOVERS

Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes require extra CAUTION. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on the slope, DO NOT mow it. Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments; these affect the handling and the stability of the machine.

1.DO NOT operate machine on slopes exceeding 15 degrees (27% grade).

2.Exercise EXTREME CAUTION on slopes above 10 degrees (18% grade). Turn blades OFF when traveling uphill. Use a slow speed and avoid sudden or sharp turns.

3.DO NOT operate machine back and forth across face of slopes. Operate up and down. Practice on slopes with blades off.

4.AVOID starting, stopping or turning on slopes. If machine stops going uphill or tires lose traction, turn blades OFF and back slowly straight down the slope.

PREPARATION

1.Read, understand, and follow instructions and warnings in this manual and on the machine, engine and attachments. Know the controls and the proper use of the machine 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 percentage of mower-related injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability to operate the mower safely enough to protect themselves and others from serious injury.

4.Handle fuel with extra care. Fuels are flammable and vapors are explosive. Use only an approved fuel container. DO NOT remove fuel cap or add fuel with engine running. Add fuel outdoors only with engine stopped and cool. Clean spilled fuel from machine. DO NOT smoke.

5.Practice operation of machine with BLADES OFF to learn controls and develop skills.