Snapper 7-3571, 6-3162 User Manual

Safety Instructions, Installation & Operator’s Manual For

# 6-3162 BLOWER KIT for

COMMERCIAL GRASS CATCHERS

for MID MOUNT Z-RIDERS

MANUAL No. 7-3571 (Rev. 1, 7/28/00)

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 or on attachments (even with the blade OFF). They may fall and be seriously injured.

4. DO NOT allow pre-teenage children to operate 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.

PROTECTION AGAINST TIPOVERS

(Continued From Previous Column)

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

6. DO NOT operate machine near drop offs, ditches, embankments, washouts, culverts, fences and protruding objects. KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE (at least 3 feet) away from edge of ditches and other drop offs. The machine could turn over if an edge caves in.

7. Always begin forward motion slowly and with caution.

8. Use weights or a weighted load carrier in accordance with instructions supplied with a grass catcher. DO NOT operate machine on slopes exceeding 10 degrees (18% grade) when equipped with grass catcher.

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. DO NOT operate machine under any condition where traction, steering or stability is doubtful.

12. Operator Protective Structures are available for this machine through your local SNAPPER dealer.

PROTECTION AGAINST TIPOVERS

Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes require extra CAUTION. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on the slope, DO NOT mow it. Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments; these and turf conditions affect the handling and the stability of the machine.

1. DO NOT operate machine on slopes exceeding 15 degrees (27% grade).

2. Exercise EXTREME CAUTION on slopes above 10 degrees (18% grade). Turn blades OFF when traveling uphill. Use a slow speed and avoid sudden or sharp turns.

3. DO NOT operate machine back and forth across face of slopes. Operate up and down. Practice on slopes with blades off.

4. AVOID uphill starts. If machine stops going uphill or tires lose traction, turn blades OFF and back slowly down the slope.

PREPARATION

1. Read, understand and follow instructions and warnings in this manual and on the machine, engine and attachments. Know the controls, the safety signs 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 or service the machine and only after proper instruction and training. 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.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

PREPARATION

(Continued From Previous Page)

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 or drain 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 blades 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.

11. Protect yourself when mowing and wear appropriate clothing including safety glasses, long pants, ear protection, hardhat and substantial footwear with good traction. Long hair, loose clothing or jewelry may get tangled in moving parts.

12. Know how to STOP blades and engine quickly in preparation for emergencies.

13. Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck.

14. Check grass catcher components frequently for signs of wear or deterioration and replace as needed to prevent injury from thrown objects going through weak or worn spots.

OPERATION

1. Mount and dismount machine from left side.

2. Start engine from operator's seat. Make sure blades are OFF and parking brake is set. Use seat belts if provided.

3. DO NOT leave machine with engine running. Stop engine. Stop blades. Set brake. Remove key.

4. DO NOT operate machine unless properly seated with feet on foot rests or pedal(s).

5. DO NOT operate machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

OPERATION

(Continued From Previous Column)

6. STOP MACHINE on level ground, lower deck, engage parking brake and make sure engine and blades have stopped before removing grass catcher or unclogging mower to prevent injury to hands or feet.

7. Blades must be OFF except when cutting grass. Set blades in highest position when mowing over rough ground.

8. Keep hands and feet away from rotating blades underneath deck. DO NOT place foot on ground while BLADES are ON or machine is in motion.

9. DO NOT operate machine without entire grass catcher or guards in place. DO NOT point discharge at people, passing cars, windows or doors.

10. Slow down before turning.

11. Watch out for traffic when near or crossing roadways.

12. STOP engine immediately after striking an object or if an abnormal vibration occurs. Remove key. Remove and disconnect the sparkplug wire. Make necessary repairs before resuming operation.

13. Mow only in daylight or with good artificial light.

14. Move motion control levers SLOWLY to maintain control during speed and directional changes.

15. Exercise CAUTION when pulling loads. DO NOT pull loads greater than 300 pounds. Avoid jack knifing. DO NOT turn sharply.

16. DO NOT operate engine in enclosed areas. Engine exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly poison.

MAINTENANCE

1. DO NOT store machine 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 the reach of children in a well ventilated, unoccupied building. Shut off fuel (when equipped with valve) while storing or transporting machine.

2. Clean grass and debris from engine, mufflers, drives and cutting units to help prevent overheating and fires. Clean up fuel, oil and excess grease.

3. When draining fuel tank, drain fuel into an approved container outdoors and away from open flame.

4. Check brakes frequently; adjust, repair or replace as needed.

5. Keep all bolts, nuts and screws properly tight. Check that all cotter pins are in proper position.

6. Always provide adequate ventilation when running engine. Engine exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly poison.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

MAINTENANCE

(Continued From Previous Page)

7. Disconnect battery before performing maintenance or service. Cranking engine could cause injury. Disconnect negative (black) cable from battery first and positive (red) cable last. Reconnect positive first and negative last. Charge battery in an open, well ventilated area away from spark and flames. Unplug charger before connecting or disconnecting from battery. Wear protective clothing and insulated gloves.

8. Park machine on level ground. DO NOT work under machine without safety blocks.

9. Service engine and clean, adjust or repair only when engine and blades are stopped. Remove spark plug wire(s) from spark plug(s) and secure wire(s) away from spark plug(s).

10. DO NOT change engine governor speed settings or overspeed engine. DO NOT make adjustments with the engine running.

11. Lubricate machine at intervals specified in manual to prevent controls from binding.

12. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blades or wear heavy leather gloves and use CAUTION when handling them. Never straighten or weld blades, only replace them.

13. DO NOT test for spark by grounding spark plug next to spark plug hole; spark plug could ignite gas exiting engine.

14. Carefully release pressure from components with stored energy.

15. Have machine serviced by an authorized SNAPPER dealer at least once a year and have the dealer install any new safety devices. Never allow untrained personnel to service machine.

16. Use only genuine SNAPPER replacement parts to assure that original standards are maintained.

WARNING

Front Weight Kit #6-3180 must be installed before operating machine with the Clamshell Grass Catcher.

DECALS

NEW DECAL

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24773

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS .....................................................................2-4

DECALS......................................................................................................................... 5

TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................. 6

SECTION 1 - INSTALLATION................................................................................... 7-10

SECTION 2 - PARTS IDENTIFICATION.................................................................. 11-15

WARRANTY................................................................................................................. 16

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