Snapper RE100 Operater's Manual - Page 4

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 Customer Service (1-800-935-2967 or www.snapper.com). 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 6. KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE (at least 3 feet) away from edge machine and the mowing activity. Children who have been of ditches and other drop offs. The machine could turn over given rides in the past may suddenly appear in the mowing if an edge caves in. area for another ride and be run over or backed over by the 7. Always begin forward motion slowly and with caution. machine. Never assume that children will remain where you 8. Use weights or a weighted load carrier in accordance last saw them. with instructions supplied with a grass catcher. DO NOT 1. KEEP children out of the mowing area and under the operate machine on slopes exceeding 10 degrees (18% watchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator. grade) when equipped with grass catcher. 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, r n attachments or towed equipment (even with the blades fo tio 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 t c judgment under close adult supervision to operate machine. 6. DO NOT operate blades in reverse. STOP BLADES. LOOK o u and SEE behind and down for children, pets and hazards before and while backing. N d 7. USE EXTRA CARE when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision. ro Protection against Tipovers p Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tip- over accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. e All slopes require extra CAUTION. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on the slope, DO NOT mow it. R Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments; 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. Choose 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. 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. these affect the handling and the stability of the machine. 3. Data indicates that operators age 60 and above, are Refer to the Slope Guide at the end of this manual. involved in a large percentage of mower-related injuries. 1. DO NOT operate machine on slopes exceeding 15 These operators should evaluate their ability to operate the degrees (27% grade). mower safely enough to protect themselves and others 2. Exercise EXTREME CAUTION on slopes above 10 from serious injury. degrees (18% grade). Turn blades OFF when traveling 4. Handle fuel with extra care. Fuels are flammable and uphill. Use a slow speed and avoid sudden or sharp turns. vapors are explosive. Use only an approved fuel container. 3. DO NOT operate machine back and forth across face of DO NOT remove fuel cap or add fuel with engine running. slopes. Operate up and down. Practice on slopes with Add fuel outdoors only with engine stopped and cool. Clean blades off. spilled fuel from machine. DO NOT smoke. 4. AVOID starting, stopping or turning on slopes. If machine 5. Practice operation of machine with BLADES OFF to learn stops going uphill or tires lose traction, turn blades OFF and controls and develop skills. back slowly straight down the slope. 6. Check the area to be mowed and remove all objects such 5. STAY ALERT for holes and other hidden hazards. Tall as toys, wire, rocks, limbs and other objects that could grass can hide obstacles. Keep away from ditches, cause injury if thrown by blade or interfere with mowing. washouts, culverts, fences and protruding objects. 4 www.snapper.com