Snapper RP217250 Operation Manual - Page 7

Operator Safety SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE Disconnect and secure spark plug wire away from plug To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme to prevent accidental starting. care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable 12. STOP engine and wait until the blade comes to com- and the vapors are explosive. plete STOP before removing grass bag and/or clearing 1. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources grass. of ignition. 13. DO NOT operate mower without the entire grass catch- 2. Use only an approved fuel container. er, rear guard, or other safety devices in place and work- 3. DO NOT remove fuel cap or add fuel with the engine ing. DO NOT point discharge at people, passing cars, running. Allow the engine to cool before refueling. windows or doors. 4. DO NOT refuel the machine indoors. 14. DO NOT discharge material against a wall or obstruc- 5. DO NOT store the machine or fuel container inside tion. Material may ricochet back towards the operator. where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light such as 15. Slow down before turning. on a water heater or other appliances. 16. Watch out for traffic when near or crossing roadways. 6. DO NOT fill fuel containers inside a vehicle or on a 17. DO NOT operate engine in enclosed areas. Engine truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place the exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, a deadly poi- containers on the ground away from the vehicle before son. filling. 18. Only use accessories approved by the manufacturer. 7. Remove gas-powered equipment from the vehicle or See manufacturer's instructions for proper operation and trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, installation of accessories. then refuel equipment using a portable container, rather than a gasoline dispenser nozzle. 8. DO NOT start gas powered equipment in enclosed vehicles or trailers. n 9. Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or container opening at all times until fueling is complete. tio DO NOT use a nozzle lock-open device 10. If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immedi- ately. r c 11. DO NOT overfill a fuel tank. Replace fuel cap and tighten securely. fo u OPERATION t d 1. DO NOT put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. o o Keep clear of discharge area while engine is running. 2. STOP engine when crossing gravel drives, walks, or r roads, and under any conditions where thrown objects might be a hazard. N p 3. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light. e 4. DO NOT operate mower while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. R 5. After striking a foreign object or if mower vibrates MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE 1. DO NOT store mower or fuel container inside where fumes may reach an open flame, spark or pilot light such as in a water heater, furnace, clothes dryer or other gas appliance. Allow engine to cool before storing machine in an enclosure. Store fuel container out of reach of children in a well ventilated, unoccupied building. 2. Keep mower and engine free of grass, leaves or excess grease to reduce fire hazard and engine overheating. 3. When draining fuel tank, drain fuel into an approved container outdoors and away from open flame. 4. Keep all bolts, especially blade bolts, nuts and screws properly tight. Check that all cotter pins are in proper position. 5. Always provide adequate ventilation when running engine. Engine exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, a deadly poison. 6. Service engine and make adjustments only when engine is stopped. Removed spark plug wire from spark plug and secure wire away from spark plug to prevent accidental starting. abnormally, STOP the engine, disconnect and secure 7. DO NOT change engine governor speed settings or spark plug wire. Inspect the mower for any damage and overspeed engine. repair the damage before starting. 8. Check grass bag assembly frequently for wear or dete- 6. DO NOT mow near drop offs, ditches or embankments. rioration to avoid thrown objects and exposure to mov- Operator could lose footing or balance. ing parts. Replace with new bag if loose seams or tears 7. STAY ALERT for holes and other hidden hazards. Tall are evident. Replace slider or bag adapter if broken or grass can hide obstacles. Keep away from ditches, cracked. washouts, culverts, fences and protruding objects. 9. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blades 8. DO NOT mow on wet grass. Always be sure of your or wear heavy leather gloves and use CAUTION when footing. Keep a firm hold on the handle and walk, never handling them. run. Slipping could cause injury. 10. DO NOT test for spark by grounding spark plug next 9. ALWAYS stay behind handle when engine (motor) is to spark plug hole; spark plug could ignite gas exiting running. engine. 10. DO NOT leave the machine with the engine running. 11. Have machine serviced by an authorized dealer at least STOP BLADE and STOP ENGINE before leaving the once a year and have the dealer install any new safety operators position for any reason. devices. 11. Before cleaning, repairing or inspecting make certain 12. Use only factory authorized replacement parts or like engine, blade and all moving parts have STOPPED. parts when making repairs. en 7