Snapper SFH13320KW important safety instructions Important Safety Instructions

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. 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.

2.DO NOT allow children in yard when machine is operated (even with the blades 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 or service the machine. Local regulations may restrict the age of the operator.

5.ALLOW only adults or responsible 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.

SLOPE OPERATION

1.Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents, which can result in severe injury. All slopes require extra caution and slow speed. If you feel uneasy on a slope, DO NOT mow it.

2.Exercise extreme CAUTION when changing directions on slopes. Practice operation of machine on slopes with blades off.

3.Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments: these affect the handling and the stability of the machine.

4.DO NOT use tow behind attachments on slopes.

5.AVOID uphill starts.

6.Turf conditions can affect the machine’s stability. DO NOT operate machine under any condition where traction, steering or stability is doubtful.

7.Chose a low enough ground 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.

SLOPE OPERATION

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

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. If the operators or mechanics cannot read English, it is the owner’s responsibility to explain this material to them.

2.Only mature, responsible persons shall operate the machine and only after proper instruction. The owner is responsible for training the operators. Further, the owner/operator can prevent and/or is responsible for accidents or injuries occurring to themselves, other people or property.

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.

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.Evaluate the terrain to determine what accessories and attachments are needed to properly and safely perform the job. Only use accessories and attachments approved by SNAPPER

8.Keep people and pets out of mowing area. Immediately, STOP blades, STOP engine, and Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

9.DO NOT operate machine unless all shields, deflectors, switches, blade controls and other safety devices are in place and functioning properly.

10.Make sure all safety decals are clearly legible. Replace if damaged.