IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
PREPARATION
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4.Handle fuel with extra care. Fuels are flammable and vapors are explosive. Use only an approved fuel container. Never 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 BLADE OFF to learn controls and develop skills.
6.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.
7.Keep people and pets a safe distance from machine.
8.Check shields, deflectors, switches, blade controls and other safety devices frequently for proper operation and location.
9.Make sure all safety decals are clearly legible. Replace if damaged.
10.Protect yourself when mowing and wear safety glasses, long pants and substantial footwear.
11.Know how to STOP blade and engine quickly in preparation for emergencies.
12.Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck.
13.Check grass catcher components frequently for signs of wear or deterioration and replace as needed to prevent injury from thrown objects going through weak or worn spots.
OPERATION
1.Mount and dismount machine from left side.
2.Start engine from operator's seat, if possible. Make sure blade is OFF and parking brake is set.
3.STOP blade, STOP engine, set parking brake and remove key when leaving machine.
4.DO NOT operate machine unless properly seated with feet on feet rests or pedal(s).
5.STOP BLADE and ENGINE and make sure blade has stopped before removing grass catcher or unclogging mower to prevent loss of fingers or hand.
6.Blade must be OFF except when cutting grass. Set blade in highest position when mowing over rough ground.
7.Keep hands and feet away from rotating blade underneath deck. NEVER place foot on ground while BLADE is ON or machine is in motion.
8.Deflector or entire grass catcher must be in place. NEVER point discharge at people, passing cars, windows or doors.
9.Slow down before turning.
10.Watch out for traffic when near or crossing roadways.
11.STOP engine immediately after striking an obstruction. Inspect machine and repair damage before resuming operation.
OPERATION
(Continued From Previous Column)
12.Mow only in daylight or with good artificial light.
13.Move joystick (if equipped) SLOWLY to maintain control during speed and directional changes.
14.Exercise CAUTION when pulling loads. Limit loads to those you can safely control and attach loads to hitch plate as specified with SNAPPER attachment instructions.
MAINTENANCE
1.Never store machine or fuel container inside where fumes may reach an open flame, spark or pilot light such as in a water heater, furnace, clothes dryer or other gas appliance. Allow engine to cool before storing machine in an enclosure. Store fuel container out of the reach of children in a well ventilated, unoccupied building.
2.Keep engine free of grass, leaves or excess grease to reduce fire hazard and engine overheating.
3.When draining fuel tank, drain fuel into an approved container outdoors and away from open flame.
4.Check brakes frequently; adjust, repair or replace as needed.
5.Keep all bolts, nuts and screws properly tight. Check that all cotter pins are in proper position.
6.Always provide adequate ventilation when running engine indoors. Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly poison.
7.Disconnect negative (black) cable from battery before performing maintenance or service. Cranking engine could cause injury.
8.Never work under machine without safety blocks.
9.Service engine and make adjustments only when engine is stopped. Remove spark plug wire(s) from spark plug(s) and secure wire(s) away from spark plug(s).
10.DO NOT change engine governor speed settings or overspeed engine.
11.Lubricate machine at intervals specified in manual to prevent controls from binding.
12.Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blades or wear heavy leather gloves and use CAUTION when handling them.
13.NEVER test for spark by grounding spark plug next to spark plug hole; spark plug could ignite gas exiting engine.
14.Have machine serviced by an authorized SNAPPER dealer at least once a year and have the dealer install any new safety devices.
15.Use only genuine SNAPPER replacement parts to assure that original standards are maintained.
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