Snapper 400Z Operater's Manual - Page 7

Operator Safety Read these safety rules and follow them closely. Failure to obey these rules could result in loss of control of unit, severe personal injury or death to you, or bystanders, or damage to property or equipment. This mowing deck is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. The triangle in text signifies important cautions or warnings which must be followed. Training 2. Mow only in the daylight or with good artificial light, 1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual and on the unit before starting. If the operator(s) or mechanic(s) can not read English it is the owner's responsibility to explain this material to them. 2. Become familiar with the safe operation of the equipment, operator controls, and safety signs. 3. All operators and mechanics should be trained. The owner is responsible for training the users. 4. Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the instructions, to operate the unit. 5. Never let children or untrained people operate or service the equipment. Local regulations may restrict the age of the operator. 6. The owner/user can prevent and is responsible for accidents or injuries occurring to themselves, other people or property. 7. Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above, are involved in a large percentage of riding mower- r n related injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability to operate the riding mower safely enough to fo tio protect themselves and others from serious injury. t c Preparation o u 1. Evaluate the terrain to determine what accessories and attachments are needed to properly and safely N d perform the job. Use only accessories and attachments approved by the manufacturer. 2. Wear appropriate clothing including safety shoes, safety o glasses and ear protection. Long hair, loose clothing or r jewelry may get tangled in moving parts. 3. Inspect the area where the equipment is to be used and p remove all objects such as rocks, toys and wire, which can be thrown by the machine. e 4. Use extra care when handling gasoline and other fuels. They are flammable and vapors are explosive. R a) Use only an approved container. keeping away from holes and hidden hazards. 3. Be sure all drives are in neutral and parking brake is engaged before starting engine. Only start engine from the operator's position. Use seat belts if provided. 4. Be sure of your footing while using pedestrian controlled equipment, especially when backing up. Walk, don't run. Reduced footing could cause slipping. 5. Slow down and use extra care on hillsides. Be sure to travel in the recommended direction on hillsides. Turf conditions can affect the machines stability. Use caution when operating near drop-offs. 6. Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while traveling in reverse. 7. Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without either the entire grass catcher or the deflector in place. 8. Slow down and use caution when making turns and when changing directions on slopes. 9. Never raise deck with the blades running. 10. Never leave a running unit unattended. Always disengage the PTO, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys before dismounting. Keep hands and feet away from the cutting units. 11. Turn off the PTO switch to disengage the blades when not mowing. 12. Never operate with guards not securely in place. Be sure all interlocks are attached, adjusted properly and functioning properly. 13. Never operate with the discharge deflector raised, removed or altered, unless using a grass catcher. 14. Do not change the engine governor setting or overspeed the engine. 15. Stop on level ground, lower implements, disengage drives, engage parking brake, shut off engine before leaving the operator's position for any reason including emptying the grass catchers or unclogging the chute. 16. Stop equipment and inspect blades after striking objects or abnormal vibration occurs. Make necessary repairs b) Never remove fuel cap or add fuel with the engine before resuming operations. running. Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do 17. Keep hands and feet away from the cutting units. not smoke. 18. Look behind and down before backing up to be sure of a c) Never refuel or drain the machine indoors. clear path. 19. Never carry passengers and keep pets and bystanders away. 5. Check that operator's presence controls, safety switches and shields are attached and functioning properly. Do not operate unless they are functioning properly. 20. Do not operate the unit while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 21. Slow down and use caution when making turns and crossing roads and sidewalks. Stop blades if not mowing. Operation 22. Use care when loading or unloading the machine into a 1. Never run an engine in an enclosed area. trailer or truck. 23. Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees or other objects that may obscure vision. 24. To reduce fire hazard, keep unit free of grass, leaves & excess oil. Do not stop or park over dry leaves, grass or combustible materials. 5