Snapper 20 Operator Safety, Protection for Children, Preparation, Continued From Previous Column

Operator Safety

!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, contact the Customer Service Department (1-800-935-2967 or www.snapper.com).

Protection for Children					Preparation
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the					(Continued From Previous Column)
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the					4. Handle fuel with extra care. Fuels are flammable and
machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that					vapors are explosive. Use only an approved fuel container.
children will remain where you last saw them.					DO NOT remove fuel cap or add fuel with engine running.
1.	KEEP children out of the mowing area and under the				Add fuel outdoors only with engine stopped and cool. Clean
watchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator.					spilled fuel and oil from machine. DO NOT smoke.
2.	DO NOT allow children in yard when machine is operated				5. Check the area to be mowed and remove all objects such
and turn machine OFF if anyone enters the area.					as toys, wire, rocks, limbs and other objects that could
3.	DO NOT allow pre-teenage children to operate machine.				cause injury if thrown by blade or interfere with mowing.
4.	ALLOW only responsible adults & teenagers with mature				Also note the location of holes, stumps, and other possible
judgment under close adult supervision to operate machine.					haza ds.
5.	DO NOT pull mower backwards unless absolutely				6. Keep people and pets ut of the mowing area.
necessary. LOOK and SEE behind and down for children,					Immedia ely, STOP Blade, Stop engine and Stop mower if
pets and hazards before and while backing.					anyone en ers he area.
6.	USE EXTRA CARE when approaching blind corners,				7. Che k shields, deflectors, switches, blade controls and
shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure visi				n.	other safety devi es frequently for proper operation and
Slope Operation					location.
					8. Make s re all safety decals are clearly legible. Replace if
1.	Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall acci-				amaged.
dents, which can result in severe injury. All slopes require					9. Protect yourself when mowing and wear safety glasses, a
extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, DO NOT m w					dust mask, long pants, and substantial footwear. DO NOT
it.					mow barefooted or with sandals.
2.	Mow across slopes, never up-and-down. Exercise				10. Know how to STOP blade and engine quickly in
extreme CAUTION when changing directions			slo	s. DO	preparation for emergencies.
NOT mow steep slopes or other areas wh re stability or					11. Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine
traction is in doubt. Refer to the Slope Guide at the				nd of	into a trailer or truck.
this manual.					12. Check grass catcher components frequently for signs of
3.	Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments;				wear or deterioration and replace as needed to prevent
these affect the handling and the stability of the machine.					injury from thrown objects going through weak or torn
		Reproduction

spots.

Preparation

1.Read, understand, and follow instructions and warnings in this manual and 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 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.

Safe Handling of Gasoline

To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is 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 NOT remove fuel cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow the engine to cool before refueling.

4.DO NOT refuel the machine indoors.

5.DO NOT store 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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