Snapper 285Z manual Protection for Children Protection Against Tipovers

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.

Protection for Children				Protection Against Tipovers
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 machine				6.	KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE (at least 3 feet) away from edge of
and the mowing activity. Children who have been given rides in					ditches and other drop offs. The machine could turn over if
the past may suddenly appear in the mowing area for another					an edge caves in.
ride and be run over or backed over by the machine. Never				7.	Always begin forward motion slowly and with caution.
assume that children will remain where you last saw them.				8.	Use weights or a weighted load carrier in accordance with
1.	KEEP children out of the mowing area and under the				instructions supplied with a grass catcher. DO NOT operate
	watchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator.				machine on slopes exceeding 10 degrees (18% grade)
2.	DO NOT allow children in yard when machine is operated				when equipped with grass catcher.
	(even with the blade OFF).	Reproduction
				9.	DO NOT put your foot on the ground to try to stabilize the
3.	DO NOT allow children or others to ride on machine,				machine.
	attachments or towed equipment (even with the blades			10. DO NOT		perate machi e on wet grass. Reduced traction
	OFF). They may fall and be seriously injured.				could cause sl d ng.
4.	DO NOT allow pre-teenage children to operate machine.			11. Chose a l		w en ugh speed setting so that you will not
5.	ALLOW only responsible adults & teenagers wi h ma ure				have o s op or shift on a slope. Tires may lose traction on
	judgment under close adult supervision to		pera e		slopes even though the brakes are functioning properly.
	machine.			12. DO NOT operate machine under any condition where trac-
6.	DO NOT operate blades in reverse. STOP BLADES. LOOK				tion, steering or stability is doubtful.
	and SEE behind and down for children, pets and hazards			13. Always keep the machine in gear when going down slopes.
	before and while backing.				DO NOT shift to neutral (or actuate hydro roll release) and
7.	USE EXTRA CARE when approaching blind corne s, sh ubs,				coast downhill.
	trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.			Preparation
Protection Against Tipovers				1.	Read, understand, and follow instructions and warnings in
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tip-over					this manual and on the machine, engine and attachments.
accidents, which can result in severe injury or			ath. All slopes		Know the controls and the proper use of the machine
require extra CAUTION. If you cannot back up the slope or if					before starting.
you feel uneasy on the slope, DO NOT mow it. Use extra care				2.	Only mature, responsible persons shall operate the
with grass catchers or other attachments; these affect the han-					machine and only after proper instruction.
dling and the stability of the machine.				3.	Data indicates that operators age 60 and above, are
1.	DO NOT operate machine on slopes exceeding 10 degrees				involved in a large percentage of mower-related injuries.
	(18% grade).				These operators should evaluate their ability to operate the
2.	Exercise EXTREME CAUTION on all slopes. Turn blades OFF				mower safely enough to protect themselves and others
	when traveling uphill. Use a slow speed and avoid sudden				from serious injury.
	or sharp turns.			4.	Handle fuel with extra care. Fuels are flammable and vapors
3.	DO NOT operate machine back and forth across face of				are explosive. Use only an approved fuel container. DO NOT
	slopes. Operate up and down. Practice on slopes with				remove fuel cap or add fuel with engine running. Add fuel
	blades off.				outdoors only with engine stopped and cool. Clean spilled
4.	AVOID starting, stopping or turning on slopes. If machine				fuel from machine. DO NOT smoke.
	stops going uphill or tires lose traction, turn blades OFF			5.	Practice operation of machine with BLADES OFF to learn
	and back slowly straight down the slope.				controls and develop skills.

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

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